Organiser of tragic New Year’s event in Uganda charged with murder as death toll rises to 10

The organiser of a New Year’s event in Uganda which ended in a stampede to watch a fireworks display, killing 10 people, has been charged with murder. 

Organiser Abbey Musinguzi faces murder charges as ‘holding charges’ before being taken to court following the stampede which ensued in the Freedom City Mall in Kampala on Sunday.  

The victims, including four children aged between 10 and 17, died after being caught in the crush of hundreds of people trying to leave the venue to watch the fireworks display through a single door. 

The victims, including four children aged between 10 and 17, died after being caught in the crush of hundreds of people trying to leave the venue to watch the fireworks display

Footage from the incident shows people trying to help and comfort others 

It is believed the incident happened at around midnight when the MC at the venue, which is on a highway linking Kampala to Entebbe airport, encouraged people to go outside to watch the firework display

Ugandan Police have said they are investigating how the youngest victims accessed the event, as minors are required to be accompanied by a responsible adult to such gatherings. 

Previous reports confirmed there were nine deaths but the country’s vice president, Jessica Alupo, told reporters one more person had died from their injuries. 

The police statement issued yesterday read: ‘Very many people got stuck as they were entering in large numbers to see fireworks. In doing so, many people suffocated to death.’

It is believed the incident happened at around midnight when the MC at the venue, which is on a highway linking Kampala to Entebbe airport, encouraged people to go outside to watch the firework display. 

Ms Alupo added that the government will pay $1,350 (£1,120) to each of the victim’s families to help with burial costs.