Jinja, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | The Muslim community in Jinja City is calling for the cancellation of the Nyege Nyege music festival, citing moral concerns. The annual international music festival is scheduled to commence on November 9 in Jinja City, with attendees paying Shs120,000 per day for the three-day event.

Sheikh Ismail Basoga Adi, the Jinja District Khadi, expressed opposition to the festival, stating that while it generates substantial revenue, it promotes immorality, particularly among the younger generation. He questioned the decision to move the event from Buikwe District to Jinja City.

Derick Debru, an organizer from Talent Africa, revealed that multiple locations, including the Source of River Nile, Jinja showground, Source Garden Hotel, Nile Park, and part of the Golf Course grounds, have been secured to host the festival.

This is not the first time Nyege Nyege has faced controversy. Last year, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among attempted to have it canceled, claiming it promoted immorality, a claim disputed by the organizers. Despite the negative publicity, some public figures, including Jinja Resident City Commissioner Darius Nandinda, have expressed support for the controversial annual music festival.

Hellen Namutamba, the Busoga Kingdom Minister for Tourism, previously stated that the kingdom supports the festival because it brings many positive aspects, including opportunities for local residents to showcase Busoga culture to international participants.

The four-day Nyege festival brings together artists from across Africa to entertain approximately 10,000 attendees.

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