By Okidi patrick
LIRA CITY EAST, UGANDA – December 30, 2025: Residents of Lira City East Division are poised to welcome 2026 with a faith centered New Year’s Eve celebration, following an announcement by National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Hon. Denis Omodi Alyela that church led fireworks displays will take place across the constituency.
Speaking to journalists on Monday evening, Hon. Alyela Omodi revealed that the free public event is jointly organized by church leadership at the three venues. The celebrations will be anchored in prayer to mark the close of 2025 and usher in the New Year, featuring synchronized five minute fireworks displays at St.Peter Claver Ngetta Mission, St. Philip Erute and Boroboro Cathedral Chapter.
“These celebrations is led by the Church and grounded in prayer,” Hon. Alyela Omodi said. “As we close 2025 and welcome 2026, we are coming together as a community to thank God, pray for peace and commit ourselves to unity, progress and a shared future for Lira City East.”
The church guided events coincide with heightened political activity ahead of the general elections scheduled for January 15, 2026. Though presented as a goodwill gesture to residents, the initiative also underscores Hon. Alyela Omodi’s focus on moral leadership, faith based values and community cohesion as he campaigns for the Lira City East parliamentary seat on the NRM ticket.
Security and safety measures for the events will fully comply with guidelines issued by the Uganda Police Force. On Monday, December 29, during a press briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Police Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma emphasized public safety during festive activities. He stated that each fireworks display must not exceed five minutes from the first explosion. Organizers are required to issue advance public notice through electronic and print media including local FM stations and newspapers and ensure that all unused pyrotechnics are collected and managed exclusively by licensed blasters. The public was also cautioned against burning tires due to associated health, environmental and infrastructure risks.
“Celebrations should remain peaceful, prayerful, and orderly,” ACP Kituuma said. “We support lawful festivities that prioritize public safety.”
Hon. Alyela Omodi confirmed that all necessary permits have been secured and that licensed pyrotechnicians will manage the displays in close coordination with church authorities and security agencies. The programs will also incorporate worship sessions, gospel music, and community fellowship to foster spiritual and social unity.
“This is my way of thanking the people of Lira City East,” Hon. Alyela Omodi added. “We are not just celebrating a New Year, but seeking God’s guidance and blessings for our families, our city, and our nation.”
Blending faith, safety and festivity, these church led fireworks displays are expected to position Lira City East as a key hub for New Year observances in Northern Uganda.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, prayers will ascend from St.Peter Claver Ngetta Mission, St.Philip Erute and Boroboro Cathedral Chapter followed by illuminated skies symbolizing hope, renewal and collective purpose for the year ahead.
Happy New Year 2026
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