Fireworks light up the sky as people react while they celebrate the New Year, in Uganda. (AFP)

At least nine people were killed in a shopping center crush as revelers rang in the New Year in Uganda's capital on Sunday, as per local police.

Following fireworks outside the Freedom City mall in Kampala, “a stampede erupted, resulting in the instant deaths of five persons and injury to several others," police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said as quoted by AFP.

"Emergency responders arrived on the scene and transported the injured individuals to the hospital, where nine were confirmed dead," he added.

9 die in a stampede at the New Year's Eve event at the Freedom City Mall Namasuba, Uganda 🇺🇬. Several others injured‼️, #NewYear #2023NewYear #Uganda pic.twitter.com/ahkXdYFKcJ
— Fɪᴅᴇʟɪꜱ Zᴇɴɢᴇᴢᴀ Zᴠᴏᴍᴜʏᴀ (@Zvomuya) January 1, 2023

Owoyesigyire stated that "juveniles" were among the victims, but did not specify their ages.

He further stated that "rash" acts and "negligence" had led to the tragedy.

The 2023 celebrations were the first in the east African country in three years, following restrictions related to the Covid-19 outbreak and security concerns.