The 2023 Nyege Nyege festival kicked off in Jinja on Thursday, with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, officiating over the opening ceremony.
Addressing the hundreds of attendees on the festival’s first day, Kadaga expressed gratitude to the supporters for boosting the local economy of Busoga and contributing to tourism in Uganda. She encouraged festivalgoers to fully immerse themselves in the festivities.
“I want to thank all of you who have come here today to support the local economy of Busoga and tourism in Uganda. Enjoy yourselves, and I invite you to consider investing wisely in this region so that you can also benefit from next year’s edition of the festival,” Kadaga remarked, emphasizing the festival’s positive economic impact on Jinja and its surrounding areas.
Organized by Talent Africa Group and sponsored by Uganda Waragi, the Nyege Nyege festival has earned the moniker “the Tomorrowland of Africa” and is in its eighth edition in Jinja City, spanning from November 9th to 12th. The event draws thousands of both local and international visitors to Jinja and its environs for three days of music, community, self-expression, and diversity.
Kadaga took a brief tour of the festival grounds, spending time at the Busoga Kingdom stage, where over 25 regional artists are set to perform. She also visited Uganda Breweries Limited’s “Wrong Side of the Road” tent, dedicated to encouraging healthy and responsible alcohol consumption habits among festival attendees.
Addressing security concerns, Kadaga assured attendees, stating, “His Excellency the President has requested me to assure you that all the major events in Jinja – starting with this one and the Kyabazinga’s wedding happening next weekend – are fully secure.” She disclosed that senior military and police officers, experts in specific fields, had been deployed to oversee security at the festival.
Among the security personnel mentioned were Brig. Gen. Joseph Semwanga, the UPDF 1st Division Commander; Col. Robert Ruteinama, the Busoga region UPDF Cantonment Commander; ACP Ashraf Chemonges, the Commander of the Alert Squad in the Uganda Police; ACP Patrick Lawot, and Col. Bernard Tuhame.
As the Nyege Nyege festival unfolds, the combination of economic stimulation, cultural celebration, and enhanced security measures promises a vibrant and secure experience for festival attendees in Jinja.
