As churches and communities prepare for the 31st night crossover services to usher in the New Year, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has reminded the public 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 growing public debate around 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 said.

Speaking on JoyNews, he explained that although discussions have come up regarding firecrackers and toy weapons, authorities are currently prioritising the retrieval of lethal firearms under 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 noted.

Dr Bonaa said the issue has already been discussed at the policy level with the Interior Minister and other security stakeholders, assuring the public that clearer directives will soon be announced.

“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 warning comes as part of broader efforts to enhance public safety during the festive season, when the use of fireworks and knockouts has often led to injuries and public disturbances.

It 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.