AT least nine people have died following a stampede at a shopping centre in Uganda.
The crush at the Freedom City Mall in the Ugandan capital Kampala took place as revellers were seeing in the new year.
Fireworks were fired outside the shopping centre just before shoppers rushed in.
Revellers rushing to see the display became trapped in a narrow corridor in the shopping centre just after midnight, police said on Sunday.
Children are said to be among the dead, including a ten-year-old boy.
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Cops said five of the victims died at the scene while four others died in hospital.
The condition of the other victims isn't yet known.
Ugandan police said: "The Katwe Territorial Police are investigating an incident of rash and neglect that occurred at a New Year's Eve event at the Freedom City Mall Namasuba and resulted in the deaths of nine people, including several juveniles.
"It is alleged that the incident occurred at midnight when the event's MC encouraged attendees to go outside and watch the fireworks display.
"After the display ended, a stampede ensued, resulting in the instant deaths of five people and injuries to several others."
Police said the bodies of the dead have been rushed to the city mortuary and that more information will be provided once it becomes available.
An investigation is underway, but police have not made any arrests.
The shopping centre is popular for music concerts and is the site of annual new years celebrations.
This year marked the first new years celebrations in the East African country since restrictions linked to Covid-19 and security issues were lifted.
