Revellers assured of security at Nyenge Nyenge Festival

Jinja: As the highly anticipated Nyege Nyege Festival prepares to take place this week, security forces have assured fans and revellers of their safety, pledging to maintain a secure environment throughout the event, which runs from November 14th to 17th, 2024.

The festival, set to be hosted at the Jinja Golf Club in Jinja City, is expected to attract over 15,000 attendees from across Uganda and the globe.

In a press briefing held at the Jinja Golf Club on Monday, November 11, 2024, the Director of Operations for the Uganda Police Force, AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, confirmed that the event had been cleared by the government and that joint security teams would be deployed to ensure the safety of all festival-goers.

Mwesigwa emphasized that land, water, and aerial security measures were fully in place to manage the large crowd and to enhance safety during the festival.

“The Nyege Nyege Festival plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and international cultural exchange. It is a key event that showcases the rich cultural diversity of Uganda,” said AIGP Mwesigwa. “We are prepared and fully committed to ensuring that this year’s festival takes place smoothly and without incident. However, I urge all attendees to cooperate with security forces and avoid engaging in any antisocial behaviour.”

The festival’s security plan also includes a strong presence from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), with the 1st Division Commander, Stephen Mugwera, assuring the public that all necessary security measures had been put in place.

Mugwera encouraged festivalgoers to attend the event with peace of mind, noting that clear rules and guidelines had been set to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

At the same press briefing, festival organizers responded to concerns raised by some religious groups, particularly the Greater Jinja Born Again Churches, who had called for the event to be banned due to claims of moral decay associated with past editions.

Derrick Debru, a Belgian national and co-founder of Nyege Nyege, assured the public that this year’s festival would be a departure from previous editions, focusing more on cultural expression rather than controversial issues like nudity and promiscuity.

“The 2024 edition of Nyege Nyege will be different,” Debru stated. “This year’s theme is Afrogalactic Carnival, and we have introduced a new daytime program called Nyege In The City, which will showcase a wide variety of experiences throughout Jinja City. Our goal is to celebrate Ugandan culture in a way that is both unique and respectful to the local community.”

Debru acknowledged that while the festival may not appeal to everyone, it remains a vital platform for cultural exchange and an economic booster for the region.

He emphasized that the event brings joy, supports local livelihoods, and contributes positively to Uganda’s reputation as a vibrant and welcoming destination for international visitors.

With the expected influx of festivalgoers, local authorities are also prepared for heavy traffic in and around Jinja City. SP Mabel Asingwire, the traffic officer in charge of Jinja City, confirmed that traffic management plans had been put in place to minimize congestion and ensure the safety of both vehicles and pedestrians during the festival.

“There will be heavy traffic, especially near the venue,” said SP Asingwire. “We have made adjustments to the road layout and set up roadblocks to facilitate smoother movement. Residents living near the venue will be provided with special clearance and stickers to allow them access to their homes. We urge the public to park only in designated areas to avoid unnecessary congestion and accidents.”

With comprehensive security measures in place, adjustments to traffic flow, and a renewed focus on cultural expression, the Nyege Nyege Festival promises to be a memorable and safe event for all those in attendance.

Authorities have called on everyone to work together for a smooth and enjoyable experience, ensuring that the event can continue to grow and contribute to Uganda’s tourism and cultural sectors.

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