The ‘Nyege Nyege’ festival has kicked off in Jinja, Uganda ushering in four nights of wild party scenes.
It is a festival whose name raises eyebrows among Swahili speakers, yet indeed a crowd puller with revelers coming from almost every corner of the World.
The nights of partying kicked off on Thursday at the source of Africa’s longest River,the Nile with revelers most of them youth in a great partying mood bringing Jinja town into buzz.
Residents love it and it is all dance, booze and music much to the irritation of higher authorities to the extent that they last year threatened it with a ban.
The authorities claimed it was fueling illicit behavior because most foreigners come for sex tourism and that the festival was fueling homosexuality.
The usually quiet neighbourhood is awake, hotels are fully booked and some have had to do with tents around the venue.
Just like many other festivals around the world it is a place where revelers go to explore cultural diversity that Africa has to provide.
Security ‘Gulu Gulu’
Following a meeting with police, the organisers of the festival agreed to ensure maximum adherence to guidelines stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) they reached with security agencies.
According to police, the organizers of the 4 day event elaborated that the purpose is to promote Ugandan culture and local music.
Some of the key aspects which are embedded in the MOU include;
Organizers to provide police with a detailed program of the event to inform the deployment of security personnel as well as free access for the Joint security at the venue at any point in time.
Police (Joint Intelligence Committee) to provide accreditation to legible persons after vetting them. Narcotic substances and any form of drug abuse is prohibited. The Canine and Anti-narcotics units have been tasked to ensure compliance to this measure.
Police to ensure that the event is accessed only by adults and anyone whose age is questionable shall be required to provide documentary evidence to prove their age.
Organizers to ensure this festival is not turned into a political event. Processions and political rallies are NOT in the mandate of the Organizers of this festival.
Organizers to provide guidelines to the revelers prohibiting any use of prohibited drugs at the venue, acts of homosexuality, open sex and any other acts considered immoral because the Ugandan culture is a conservative one.
Police to carry out a number of activities in addition to vetting and accrediting.These activities include but are not limited to: covert and overt deployments, intelligence led patrols (foot and motorized), traffic control, aerial surveillance, and access control. The Counter terrorism and Fire and Rescue officers shall be at hand to support this operation.
Security agencies to work closely with other government institutions and Ministries such as Ministry of Health to prevent emergencies such as epidemics. First aid teams and ambulances shall be provided.
What’s Nyege Nyege?
Nyege Nyege was inspired by the legendary World Festival of the Black Arts’ that took place in Dakar Senegal in 1966. This urge, you are bound to experience several times throughout the weekend.
Nyege Nyege is part of a Kampala based arts incubator with an arts residency and community studios, a record label and artist management agency. The Festival is the platform to showcase new productions and the artists they work with, making it a highlight for both audiences and musicians alike.
