Africa-Press – Uganda. NEW YEAR | COVID-19 |New Year’s eve, was not like the others because of the COVID-19 pandemic. People stayed indoors, however, the residents of Jinja enjoyed the fireworks display at the source of the Nile bridge at a distance.The illumination at the bridge in beautiful colours started at 7:00 pm on New Year’s Eve and continued throughout the night as residents bid farewell to the virus-ridden 2020.
Some of the pedestrians and other road users were seen gazing at the well-lit attractive lights.Just near the bridge, a small stage was erected and presenters from various television stations were being seen broadcasting live music at the bridge.At 11:10 pm, it started raining and this prompted the Djs to pack up their equipment as they protected them from the rain.After about 30 minutes of downpour, a few people mostly security officers and their families gathered at the bridge to witness the fireworks.At ten minutes to midnight, traffic Policemen closed the highway at the Njeru and Jinja side, stopping vehicles from being driven across the bridge.
At exactly 12:00am, a fireworks display started at both ends of the bridge, and excitement was visibly seen from people who were close to the bridge.Fireworks lasted about 10 minutes and thereafter, vehicles were allowed to continue to their various destinations.In Jinja city, Policemen were seen enforcing the curfew directives and whoever was found walking in the wee hours in the night was arrested save for those who were in their vehicles.Some of the bars like Pit-stop lounge, The Office, and Café 49, among others were open throughout the night and revelers thronged them to enjoy as they ushered in the New Year 2021.
Revelers did not adhere to following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) like keeping social distance and wearing masks as the venues of the bars were packed with people.They partied until morning.
