Victims of New Year's stampede receive Shs5 million each from president

At the Freedom City Mall on Monday afternoon, the Vice President convened the bereaved families to hand out the government and President Museveni's condolences.

“I am here to commiserate members who lost dear ones and extend support of shs5 million shillings to each of them so that it can support them in burial arrangements and other emergencies they incurred because of this unfortunate incident. The President feels it is important to support the bereaved the family with the shs5 million," Alupo said yesterday as she visited the scene of the deaths.

She explained that for each person lost in the incident, a family will receive Shs5 million. Consequently those who lost two will get Shs10 million.

She was also in the company of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Major General Tumusime Katsigazi and other senior police commanders, when she pledged that the families would receive justice.

That government will ensure that investigations into the incident and culprits bring swift justice.

"We pledge to do thorough investigations and produce a detail report about what caused the stampede," Alupo said.

At the time of this report, the death toll from the incident has risen to 10 from nine, and eight who sustained injuries have been discharged from hospital.

New developments in the investigation include the arrest of the event organiser Abbey Musinguzi, popularly known as Abitex, to help in investigations.

According to Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, they are still looking for Musinguzi's colleagues connected to the event, over negligence that could have led to the deaths.

Investigations will also establish guidelines that were breached in organising the event.