How Ugandans welcomed the new year

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Presented and edited by Joseph Kizza
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 12:10 AM 

 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2025 

Happy New Year!

At the stroke of midnight, Uganda's night skies got lit by explosive, glitzy displays of fireworks to usher in the new year, 2025.

Heads turned skywards to take in the eyecatching pyrotechnics.

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 11:58 PM 

At Bro Ronnie Ministries

Hundreds of faithful have gathered for crossover prayers at Bro Ronnie Ministries’ Holy City Entebbe Church in Bwerenga.

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 11:53 PM 

At Miracle Centre Cathedral

Christians are in passionate prayer at Miracle Centre Cathedral Rubaga. Prayers are led by Senior Pastor Robert Kayanja.

Eddie Ssejjoba is there and carries us to the venue thanks to his camera lens:

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 11:45 PM 

'Night of Prayer' at Phaneroo

Thousands gather at Pheneroo Grounds in Naguru to usher in the new year in what has been termed as 'Night of Prayer' led by Apostle Grace Lubega.

Colleb Mugume has captured these emotive photos from there:

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 11:23 PM 

"Hallelujah!"

Dr Joseph Sserwadda and wife Pr Freda have stepped on stage to lead the Christians in crossover prayers. Sserwadda urges the worshippers to pray "Hallelujah, for God has brought us this far and we are heading to the new year!"

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 10:49 PM 

Prayer mood in Ndeeba

Thousands of people have gathered at Kabaka's Lake in Ndeeba, Rubaga division for the 23rd Passover Festival. Victory Christian Centre Church's senior pastor, Dr Joseph Sserwadda, will be the main celebrant, reports Simon Peter Tumwine.

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 10:30 PM 

Soroti is very much awake

It is a similar mood of blended joyful and deep praying as hundreds of worshippers attend overnight prayers at Soroti Secondary School in Soroti city. Born-Again Christians from different churches are praying with thanks to God for keeping them safe throughout this ending year.

Bishops Israel Tukei and Sam Eibu are present, reports Godfrey Ojore, who has quoted a grateful Hope Obale as saying: "It's worthy praising God for His goodness to me and my family. God has been so gracious to us."

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 10:13 PM 

Crossover prayers in Gulu

Hundreds of Anglican faithful have gathered at Christ Church Parish in Gulu City for crossover prayers.

"This is an annual gathering characterized by praise and worship, prayer sessions, homilies, and sharing of testimonies, among others," writes Jesse Johnson James, who has shared the pictures below: 

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 9:55 PM 

Security tight at YES centre

Crossover prayers are being conducted at different locations across the country. One of such places is the Youth Encounter the Saviour (YES) centre at Nsambya in Kampala, where security is very tight and one place you won't go hungry if you have carried along some spare money, as Ponsiano Nsimbi's camera lens shows us below:

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 9:40 PM 

Prayers at Boma grounds in Mbarara

In Uganda's western city of Mbarara, Christians are set to usher in 2025 from Boma grounds, where crossover prayers are being conducted. Rev. Fr. John Baptist Bashobora is leading the prayers, with Dr Edward Kazire one of the night's keynote speakers.

The prayers have been organized by Uganda Martyrs Parish, Mbarara, reports Eli Akiza, who has shared the pictures below:

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 9:25 PM 

Fervent praying at Namirembe

Christians have gathered at St Paul's Cathedral Namirembe in Kampala to pray their way into the new year.

The theme of tonight's prayers is extracted from the Bible (John 15:16): You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit.

Patrick Kibirango has captured moments from the prayers:

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 8:50 PM 

Earlier: Kabaka graces Enkuuka

Earlier, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II graced the massively-attended Buganda Kingdom's end-of-year fete dubbed Enkuuka at Lubiri.

"I am delighted to see you all," he told his excited subjects, who broke out in ululations and cheers.

He went on to thank everyone for the work they are doing and congratulated them upon reaching the end of the year. He also expressed his gratitude for the prayers during his three-month medical trip abroad.

With a symbolic dummy key, the Buganda monarch led his subjects in ushering in the new year, 2025.

As he departed, he paused briefly to have a word with Mesach Ssemakula, one of the musicians who entertained the Kabaka on the day.

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 8:30 PM 

'I will say more on NRM Day'

At the tail end of his address, Museveni says he deliberately made his end-of-year address brief so as not to delay Ugandans from enjoying their end-of-year celebrations, including the glitzy display of fireworks planned at different locations across the country.

He had earlier said he will provide a "comprehensive report" during his NRM Day celebrations speech on January 26.

"I thank everybody and I wish all of you, a prosperous 2025," he says, before inviting energy minister Ruth Nankabirwa to deliver a summary of his address in Luganda, the widely spoken local language.

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 8:28 PM 

Museveni hails sports stars

In his concluding remarks, the President — flanked by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni — pays tribute to the "good performances of our sportsmen and sportswomen".

He admits that since 1986, when he ascended to power, their focus has been on peace-building and minimum economic recovery, and therefore paid less attention to sports, music and other talent-based industries.

The President says though that "the mere achievement of peace has already started unleashing star performance by our sportsmen and women in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, African Games, etc. I congratulate all of them". 

He says it is an honour for Uganda to be granted the opportunity to host continental football tournaments CHAN (in 2025) and AFCON (in 2027) along with our brothers and sisters in Kenya and Tanzania.

Museveni says the government is working "vigorously" to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to host the two continental events.

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 8:24 PM 

Museveni warns against mpox spread

As he wraps up his brief address, the President warns about "the growing danger" of the fast-spreading mpox.

"This disease is apprently spread through two ways: through contact with a sick person and through sex," he says, citing medical experts and adding that spreading by contact is enhanced when infected people do not report to the medical centres and instead remain at home, thereby infecting the people in their household.

Basing on what experts say, Museveni says the disease is spread through sex during its 21-day incubation period, and therefore he warns against having "indisciplined sex".

He also urges anybody with blisters of mpox to immediately report to a health facility and "isolate yourself from your family".

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 8:16 PM 

'Don't build in a vulnerable area'

In his address, Museveni is also keen to talk about the "misery" that has beset Uganda "on account of natural disasters" this year ending. He highlights disasters such as the Kiteezi landfill incident, and the Kasese and Bulambuli floods, etc.

He says it is "regrettable, especially when most of it is avoidable".

"Avoidable how? Do not live or build in a vulnerable area. Why do you build in a wetland or on a steep slope that is sharper than 30º or build in the flood plains of the rivers?"
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 8:12 PM 

'Harvesting immature coffee unacceptable'

Museveni says he recently learnt that some people dry green coffee harvested prematurely out of people of it being stolen.

Warning that he will involve the UPDF "to empower all the wealth creators [including farmers] to guard their property by activating the vast militia of our LDUs", he says it is not acceptable to harvest immature coffee because "it will affect the quality of our coffee".

Still on coffee, Museveni hails Ugandans on "the good coffee prices", explaining that it as a result of the drought in Brazil, Vietnam and other coffee-growing countries.

"It also confirms the correctness of the NRM strategy of its 1996 Manifesto of the four-acre model and seven activities," he adds. 

"We are now adding irrigation in order to increase the yield and stability of crops and livestock production. A blueprint for irrigation will be availed to the whole country. It is not only coffee that has done well. Many other crops and livestock activities have done well.

"That is why our inflation rate is low all the time," says the President.
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 8:08 PM 

'Firm, legal handling of criminals is very useful'

In his written speech, Museveni points out that there is "rampant" stealing of cattle, goats, etc and speaks of the "soft handling by the Police and the courts" of the suspected thiefs through granting them Police bonds and court bails.

He says he has addressed the issue of bail with the Chief Justice and that he has since banned Police bonds.

"Any Police personnel that give a Police bond to a village thief when the case is ready for trial will be held fully accountable," warns the President, adding: "Firm legal handling of criminals is very useful."

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 8:03 PM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

President Museveni begins EOY address

President Yoweri Museveni has begun his end-of-year address live from Rwakitura.

Congratulating Ugandans upon coming to the end of the year, he says "Uganda remained peaceful on account of God, strong army, the other security services and a supportive population".

He lambasts "shallow schemes by local traitors and their foreign sponsors, to cause criminality and civil disorder like you saw in Kenya, including gathering demonstrators and shooting them using Iraqi returnees, to give the impression that it is the Government that killed them".

He goes on to say that the "whole evil scheme was defeated by God, the UPDF, the other security agencies and the people".

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 7:55 PM 

💬  What they want the President to address

As Ugandans await President Museveni's end-of-year address, New Vision's Emmanuel Tumusiime has asked some residents in Uganda's west what they want to hear the President speak about.

One of them is Alfred Busiinge, a resident of Buhiimba town council in Kikuube district, who wants the President to use this speech to put in place guidelines that will make it easier for people to access funds under government programmes, including Emyooga and Parish Development Model (PDM).

Ashraf Muhumuza, a resident of Nyamirima in Hoima district, wants Museveni to address the lingering issue of corruption in public service, an issue he says the President has vowed to combat but with little progress to show for.

James Amanya, a resident of Parajwoki cell in Hoima city, wants to hear the President address the pressing issue of drug shortages at the Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.
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 7:45 PM 

How Museveni spent his Christmas

President Museveni, together with his wife (First Lady Janet) spent their Christmas with family at their country home in Rwakitura.

In a post on sociale media platform X the following day, the President relished having spent a "lovely day with our children and grandchildren" on Christmas.

In the same social media post, which carried a series of pictures of him with his family, Museveni commended Ugandans for "reaching this milestone" and thanked God for "keeping many of us safe, even as we mourn those lost in tragedies like the Kiteezi incident, Bulambuli floods, and others".

"Despite the challenges, Uganda remains largely peaceful, and we are grateful. I encourage reflection on the parable of the talents and the importance of wisely using our gifts. This wet season is a blessing, yet many waste their resources through reckless living," he wrote, promising to share more in tonight's year-ending address.

The morning after Christmas (on Boxing Day), the President checked out his cows.

"I usually encourage farmers, where possible, to paddock their farms and grow grass for their cows, especially orunyankokoore (Chloris Diana) because it is nutritious for them," he said.

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 7:35 PM 

🎙️  Museveni to deliver EOY address

Tonight, President Yoweri Museveni will deliver his End of Year address at 8pm, which will be relayed on all local TV and radio channels.

The President's last televised address to the nation was early last month, on November 7, his delivery centering on the hotly divisive debate on the rationalization of government agencies. Here is what he said.

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 7:30 PM 

📸  Earlier pictures at Lubiri

Every last day of the year, thousands of people gather at Lubiri in Kampala for Buganda Kingdom's year-ending fete dubbed Enkuuka and also watch the Kabaka usher in the new year.

The venue is already packed and the monarchy's prime minister (Katikkiro), Charles Peter Mayiga, has arrived ahead of the king. Other big shots in Buganda region are also present, as entertainers keep the huge crowds very much entertained.

Vision Group's Dickson Kulumba is at the venue and earlier shared some pictures from there:

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 7:20 PM 

Security ramped up in Albertine region

Elsewhere, New Vision's Emmanuel Tumusiime has reported that the Albertine region Police have urged the public to maintain the same level of calmness and co-operation exhibited during Christmas celebrations during tonight's end-of-year festival.

Julius Allan Hakiza, who speaks for the region's Police, said the security team in the Albertine region has been getting set to ensure the safety and security of all Ugandans in the region. The security team will focus on securing especially worship centres.

Locations prone to terror threats and other criminal activities will also receive special attention.

Hakiza said at least 100 locations in the region have been designated for fireworks displays, which will be supervised by the counterterrorism Police. The pyrotechnics will be limited to five minutes.

An alert squad has been formed under the supervision of the regional Police commander to visit districts and divisions to assess the alertness of officers. Additionally, a quick response team is also in place to address any incidents that may arise.
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 7:10 PM 

⛴️  MV Ssese set to resume operations

It's good news for water travellers because MV Ssese is set to resume operations on New Year's Day (Wednesday) after undergoing two major maintenance procedures.

New Vision's island reporter Samuel Nkuba says the vessel recently returned from Port Mwanza in neighbouring Tanzania, where it was dry-docked for three weeks. During that time, it underwent thorough surveillance beneath its surface. Its deck was sandblasted to remove old paint and repainted, while its tanks were inspected for any corroded areas.

“The thickness of both plates — bottom and upper deck — is always checked to ensure that the vessel is still in good condition and is safe for passengers and their cargo, as well as ensuring that it hasn’t fermented,” says John Baptist Lubega, the ferry operations manager.

At Port Bell, the process of overhauling engines, which should be done every three years, was completed in the first week of December 2024. Following these extensive maintenance procedures, MV Ssese has received its new seaworthy certificate, a mandatory requirement for all watercraft.

During the vessel's absence, traffic at both the Bugoma and Bukakata piers increased significantly, leaving the only operational vessel, MV Pearl, to carry out additional trips to meet the demand.
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 7:00 PM 

'No children at crossover prayers'

Meanwhile, in Uganda's western district of Rukungiri, children aged below 12 have been banned from attending night prayers during end-of-year celebrations.

New Vision's Caleb Bahikaho quotes the Rukungiri resident district commissioner, Stephen Nsubuga Bewayo, as telling reporters in the buildup that no parent is allowed to attend night prayers or attend fireworks displays in the company of young children.

"We are doing this out of experience because in previous end-of-year celebrations, we used to record cases of missing children, which we don't want to repeat," said Bewayo.

The RDC explained that in the past, some young children would move alone to go and watch fireworks or attend overnight prayers, and that this time around, the Police intend to intercept them and take them to the Police station until their parents go for them.
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 6:45 PM 

It definitely promises to be an engaging final day of the year here in Uganda — as typically is — with crossover prayers expected at various places of worship across the country, partygoers enjoying themselves all night long while others will definitely prefer a more muted entry into 2025 with some much-needed shuteye.

Oh, and the pyrotechnicians are definitely itching to light up the night skies at the stroke of midnight — the exact moment some lovebirds will also be eager to kiss their way into a fresh year, punctuated with sweet mumblings of undying love for each other. At this very moment, others will crane their necks upwards to say a word of 'thank you' to God Almighty for seeing them over the line after a tricky year-long race, and probably top that up with a prayer or two for more life, health, blessings and success.

It will definitely be a busy night.
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 6:30 PM 

Out with the old, in with the new

Good evening if you are reading this from here in Uganda's capital Kampala, and warm, festive greetings to you who is following along from out of the country. It's that time of the year again — the very tail end of what has been another remarkable year of ups and downs over 52 eventful weeks.

Speaking of downs, I would like to believe I am speaking for many when I say it has been quite a difficult year, to say the least. Not easy, eh? But hey, as we turn our backs to 2024 and train our focus on a new, fresh year, here we have presented before us an opportunity for a reboot, redemption, revival [fill in your desired word].

Out with the old, in with the new! Happy New Year, good people!