At least nine people, including a 10-year-old boy, died from suffocation after being trapped in a small hallway in a mall close to the capital of Uganda as they rushed to see a New Year's fireworks display, according to authorities.
National police spokesman Luke Owoyesigyire reported that after fireworks outside the Freedom City mall in Kampala, "a stampede ensued, resulting in the instant deaths of five people and injuries to several others."
On their route to the hospital, four more people passed away, "largely due to suffocation."
Most of those who passed away were between the ages of 10 and 20 years old.
"Emergency responders arrived on the scene and transported the injured individuals to the hospital, where nine were confirmed dead," Owoyesigyire said.
One of the survivors, entrepreneur Sylvia Nakalema, said the stampede erupted "when we went to view the fireworks on the platform and while returning downstairs."
"There was a huge crowd. People begun pushing each other for space leading some to fall and the stampede ensued," she said.
"Children were crying and there was chaos.
"I survived because I was pushed in a corner by the crowd," said the 27-year-old.
"I felt losing breath but I stayed put since I had no exit until the situation calmed down but some people were already lying down gasping for breath."
Images of the dead's kin gathered outside a morgue in the nation's capital were shown on Sunday by Uganda's NTV channel.
Due to COVID-19 constraints and security concerns, 2023's celebrations were the first in the country of east Africa in three years.
Yoweri Museveni, the president of Uganda, established new regulations last month to stop the COVID-19 outbreak in his nation.
All Ugandans above the age of 12 must be vaccinated twice and receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine every six months, according to the president in a nationwide speech on health issues.
Access to a public office will require a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test result, he said, adding that wearing face masks is suggested for all individuals in closed areas or public meetings.
He urged the elderly, those over the age of 50, and those with comorbidities to get vaccinated and booster doses at least every six months.
Currently, 6 percent of people in the 12-17 age range have had two doses of the vaccine, compared to 59 percent of people aged 18 and older. Museveni stated that this coverage is less than the aim of 28.5 million Ugandans who are eligible.
