What’s trending in Jinja during Nyege Nyege 2024?
Nyege Nyege 2024 International Cultural Music Festival has once again brought its infectious energy to Jinja City. The event began on 14th November 2024 marking its ninth edition at the iconic Jinja Golf Course. As one of East Africa’s most anticipated cultural events, the festival promises an unforgettable fusion of traditional music, fashion, food, and culture from across the region, celebrated this year under the theme of Afrogalactic Carnival. From humble beginnings in 2015, Nyege Nyege has grown into a four-day extravaganza, offering a platform for underground artists and fostering cultural exchange. This year, it has drawn thousands of local and international revelers, injecting life into the city and stimulating economic activity.
Business Unusual In Jinja during Nyege Nyege 2024
For Jinja City, the Nyege Nyege festival is an economic boon. Hotels and lodges across the city are fully booked, while local businesses eagerly welcome the influx of visitors. Traders, boda-boda riders, and craft sellers are gearing up for brisk business, anticipating the festival’s financial benefits. “This event attracts people from all walks of life, both local and international,” says Rogers Kubwooyo, the City’s Principal Commercial Officer. “After experiencing Jinja, many visitors will return, bringing even more economic opportunities to the region.”
The city council has already collected UGX 10 million in taxes from the festival organizers, underscoring the event’s contribution to local revenue. Meanwhile, the Busoga Kingdom’s representatives, including Tourism and Heritage Minister Hellen Namutamba, have welcomed the festival’s ability to boost the hospitality sector and showcase the region’s unique charm.
Why Muslims and Christians should avoid the event
However, the Nyege Nyege festival has not been without controversy. Religious groups have voiced concerns over what they perceive as the promotion of immorality. Jinja District Khadhi Sheik Ismail Adi Basoga has strongly opposed the event, urging Muslims to steer clear, stating, “Islam is built on moral principles, and we do not support acts that compromise them.” Christian leaders have joined in the opposition, with Born Again churches and Busoga East Diocese Bishop Paul Hannington Suubi protesting the festival’s presence in Jinja. They argue that the event undermines moral standards in the community.
Responding to the criticism, Nyege Nyege Festival Chief Executive Officer, Derek Debru, defended the festival as a celebration of culture and diversity. “This event does not promote immorality but showcases the richness of our cultural heritage,” he said. “Its success over the years reflects its positive contribution to Uganda.” To ensure the safety of revelers, security measures have been heightened, with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces working alongside local authorities to maintain order.
When will the Nyege Nyege festival of 2024 end?
The festival continues until November 17, with the goals of cultural expression and its role in bringing communities together. From electrifying performances to the showcasing of East African traditions, Nyege Nyege celebrates the region’s identity and creativity. While debates over its cultural implications persist, one thing is clear: Nyege Nyege 2024 has cemented itself as a pivotal event on East Africa’s cultural calendar, bringing joy to thousands while sparking important conversations about the intersection of tradition, modernity, and morality.
History of Nyege Nyege Festival
Since its inception in 2015, the Nyege Nyege Festival has sparked mixed reactions in Uganda and beyond, attracting both praise and criticism. On one hand, the festival has been celebrated as a revolutionary platform that amplifies African creativity, with government officials and cultural ambassadors lauding its role in promoting tourism and cultural exchange. The Uganda Tourism Board, for instance, has often highlighted Nyege Nyege as a prime example of how art and culture can elevate the country’s global profile.
On the other hand, the festival has consistently faced backlash from conservative groups and religious leaders, who view it as a threat to moral values. In 2018, Uganda’s Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Father Simon Lokodo, made headlines by attempting to ban the event, alleging that it promoted immorality, drug use, and homosexuality. However, the ban was overturned after widespread outcry from festival-goers, artists, and tourism stakeholders who defended Nyege Nyege as a celebration of culture and freedom of expression.
