Celebrations to mark the start of 2009 were generally peaceful in major parts of Kampala. Police was deployed in all parts of the city to curb any violent outbreaks.

Sheraton Hotel and Imperial Royale were in a massive fireworks display as the new year was ushered in. The moment lasted for over 12 minutes as huge crowds were shouting happy new year to each other, hugs and kisses were the order of the moment.

In the past years, burning tires used to mark the new year making most roads impassable but not anymore. This time around apart from the heavy traffic and  a few boda-boda riders cruising like there was no tomorrow and of course the scarcity of fuel,  the celebrations were peaceful.