As churches and communities across the country prepare for 31st night crossover services to usher in the New Year, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has reiterated that the use of firecrackers and knockouts remains illegal.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Adam Bonaa, said the ban on firecrackers has not been lifted, despite ongoing public debate about their use during festive celebrations.
“The ban on firecrackers is still in place. As far as the information we have is concerned, it hasn’t been lifted,” Dr Bonaa stated.
Speaking on JoyNews, he explained that while discussions have emerged around firecrackers and toy weapons, authorities are currently focusing on retrieving lethal firearms through the ongoing gun amnesty.
“These are conversations we have activated with the Ministry of the Interior and allied security agencies. I want to ask that people give us some time while we discuss it, because we want to focus on retrieving lethal weapons,” he said.
Dr Bonaa disclosed that the matter has already been discussed at the policy level with the Minister for the Interior and other security stakeholders, assuring the public that clearer directives would be issued soon.
“It’s something we are aware of, and it is being discussed on how to tackle it. You will hear very soon what is going to be done moving forward,” he added.
The reminder forms part of broader efforts to enhance public safety during the festive season, a period when the use of fireworks and knockouts has often resulted in injuries and public disturbances.
The warning also coincides with the gun amnesty period declared by the Minister for the Interior, which runs from December 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026, allowing individuals in possession of illegal firearms to surrender or regularise them without facing prosecution.
