Kampala, Uganda – A stampede during the end-of-year prayers led by Pr Tom Mugerwa at Wankuluku playground resulted in at least 15 injuries, with many attendees suffocating in the chaos. The incident occurred on New Year’s Eve as worshippers attempted to enter the venue, which had reached full capacity by 2 PM.
According to a report from the Katwe Division Police, the stampede was triggered around 9 PM when an unnamed preacher announced that there was still space inside, prompting a rush at the entrance. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the situation escalated quickly, leading to panic among the crowd. Eight of the injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Initial reports circulated claiming fatalities, with some witnesses suggesting that five to ten individuals may have died due to the stampede. However, police officials have yet to confirm any deaths related to the incident. A senior police officer described the event as ‘terrible’ and indicated that investigations are ongoing.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding crowd management and safety during large public gatherings in Uganda, particularly on significant occasions like New Year’s Eve.