Thousands in prayer at Namboole Stadium on New Years Eve. PHOTO ISAAC KASAMANI

A characteristic mood of enthusiasm and uncertainty engulfed the city on Saturday as Ugandans welcomed 2012. Roars of excitement and singing filled the air with the fading seconds during the final countdown to midnight.
Like it normally happens, the New Year was ushered in with glitzy fireworks. Majority of Ugandans ushered in the New Year with night prayers countrywide, while fun-lovers also had a full dose of entertainment.
As glasses clinked to merriment toasts, the blistering glamour of fireworks was showcased from various corners of the city. But the centre of attraction was at Sheraton Hotel, where popular local artistes were part of the big show.
The display of fireworks that lit the skies did not keep Christians from sacrificing their sleep to express their devotion and gratitude to God for seeing them through 2011.
Night prayers at Mandela National Stadium were hosted by Pastor Joseph Sserwadda of Victory Christian Church, Ndeeba, and were shown live on national television as Pastor Jackson Ssenyonga was joined by his followers at Kololo Airstrip.

Pastor David Kiganda of Christian Focus Centre in Mengo led a congregation at Nakivubo Stadium as other Christians filled churches to capacity around the country to pray for the fading 2011 and welcome 2012.
In his New Year message, Pastor Sserwadda reiterated his appeal to government to release all prisoners regardless of the crimes they committed. However, the man of God appeared to contradict himself on the principle of forgiveness when he also asked police to arrest people who poured acid on Apostle Umar Mulinde, who if found guilty will be jailed .
Apostle Mulinde of Gospel Life Church in Namasuba, a Kampala suburb, was recently attacked by unknown people who poured acid on his face while walking out of his church, leaving his right eye damaged and his face disfigured.
At St. Francis Chapel, Makerere, the Chaplain the Rev. Canon Johnson Ebong, urged Ugandans to thank God for the strides made so far. Rev. Ebong said despite the economic crunch, corruption in public offices and road carnage in 2011, the country can still achieve a lot more in the New Year.
Describing 2012 as “the year of restoration” Rev. Ebong said: “We may go through several challenges as a country, but we need to have hope as we prepare for the Golden Jubilee,” referring to Uganda’s 50 years of independence in October this year.
No major incidents were reported by press time.
Reported by Isaac Kasamani, Harriet Anena, Geoffrey Sseruyange, Joseph Kiggundu and Stephen Wandera.
editorial@ug.nationmedia.com