Freedom City mall stampede death toll rises to 10 

There was a sombre mood at the City mortuary, Mulago National Referral hospital as families received the bodies of the victims of the Freedom City mall stampede.

Nine people, mostly juveniles died in the stampede that preceded the New Year’s fireworks display. By Sunday, the death toll had risen to 10 after another person believed to be 17 years also died.

The revellers were attending a musical show organized by popular Uganda Music promoter, Abbey Musinguzi, alias Abtex. According to a doctor who spoke on condition of anonymity, the deceased whose identity has not yet been established, died at a private clinic near Freedom City mall, along Entebbe road where he was rushed.

In an earlier statement, police described the incident as a ‘rush and negligent’ act. Police alleged that the master of ceremony of the night, encouraged the revellers to go outside the mall to watch a fireworks display. After the display ended, a stampede ensued, resulting in the instant deaths of five people while scores sustained injuries.

Part of the Freedom City mall has now been closed for further investigations. Another event that was supposed to be held at the mall was cancelled.