Uganda’s government has canceled congregational night prayers on new year’s eve, as a preventive measure against the coronavirus pandemic, Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said Monday.
In efforts to avoid crowding, Fred Enanga also said fireworks to usher in the New Year are canceled for the second year running.
He explained the public is encouraged to celebrate in small groups rather than large ones which may lead to the spread of COVID-19.
“I want to inform the general public, proprietors of hotels, places of worship, Lord Mayors, event organizers, and dealers in fireworks that for the second year running, fireworks are canceled. All those who were anticipating the display of fireworks are informed that for the second year they have been are canceled due to the uncertainties caused by COVID-19,” he said during a press conference in the capital Kampala.
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“We ask the general public to adopt small celebrations in small groups due to COVID-19, and also look at other alternatives of ushering in the New Year probably within the precincts of their homes. In addition, all church leaders, Pastors are reminded that due to the uncertainties of COVID-19, all crossover prayers on new year’s eve, that are usually marked by millions of Christians gathered in Churches to usher in the new year have also been cancelled,” he went on.
Uganda’s ministry of health recently warned that the country was facing an upsurge of COVID-19 cases with over 14 percent of tested people turning positive.
Results of COVID-19 tests done on 25 December confirmed 743 new cases out of 6,017 people tested. The cumulative confirmed cases are 135,091, according to ministry figures.
