Rwanda National Police have moved quickly to clear the air after confusion spread online and on the streets about New Year celebrations, with some people claiming that authorities had listed public places where people could “shoot” to welcome the new year. That claim is flat-out wrong. There is no permission, list, or directive allowing anyone to fire guns during New Year celebrations anywhere in Rwanda.
What authorities have actually announced is very different. As the country prepares to cross into the new year, official institutions, especially the City of Kigali and various districts, have communicated about organized fireworks displays and public countdown celebrations. These events are carefully planned, supervised, and meant to offer a safe way for citizens to celebrate without putting lives at risk. Fireworks, not gunfire, are the centerpiece of these celebrations.
In Kigali, several public venues have been earmarked for fireworks and organized festivities. These include central and easily secured locations such as City Hall, areas around the Kigali Convention Centre, Nyamirambo’s Kigali Pelé Stadium, and entertainment zones like Rebero. Similar celebrations have been planned in other towns across the country, including Musanze, Rubavu, Huye, and Nyagatare, where local authorities are coordinating end-of-year events suited to their communities.
Rwanda National Police have, at the same time, issued strong warnings against dangerous behavior during the festive period. Celebratory gunfire is strictly prohibited under Rwandan law. Any individual found firing a weapon, even “into the air,” risks arrest and prosecution. Police have repeatedly emphasized that bullets fired upward do not disappear; they come down with lethal force and have caused serious injuries and deaths in other countries. Rwanda’s zero-tolerance approach is meant to prevent such tragedies before they happen.
Beyond gunfire, police have also cautioned the public against reckless driving, excessive alcohol consumption, vandalism, and other acts that tend to spike during holidays. Security and traffic officers have been deployed across major roads, entertainment areas, and public gathering spots to ensure that celebrations remain peaceful and orderly.
The misunderstanding appears to have come from people confusing fireworks announcements with permission to “shoot,” a dangerous mix-up fueled by rumors and poorly explained social media posts. Authorities have urged citizens to rely on official communication and not on hearsay. Fireworks are handled by trained professionals using approved equipment under police supervision, not by members of the public.
As Rwanda welcomes the new year, the message from law enforcement is simple and firm: celebrate, but do it responsibly. Public events and fireworks are there for enjoyment, but firearms have no place in celebrations. The goal is for everyone to enter the new year alive, safe, and ready for what comes next, not mourning avoidable accidents caused by reckless behavior.
