Police reported that a total of 42 minor cases were registered during the popular Nyege Nyege Festival, that kicked off amid serious security scares.
Speaking after the 4-day festival which started on Nov 9, 2023 Uganda Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said the Nyege Nyege Festival ended peacefully save for a few “minor incidents” which occured.
According to Uganda Police, 45 suspects were arrested for their involvement in cases including: theft of mobile phones (20), impersonation (03), fire outbreak (05), being in possession of Marijuana (03), stealing motor vehicles (01) and forgery of tickets (12).
Out of 45 suspects arrested, 10 were released on police bond and the remaining 35 are to be arraigned in the courts of law -according to Mr Enanga.
Police attributed the successful Nyege Nyege Festival to the vigilance of revellers and organizers as well.
“We wish to inform the public that both the Nyegenyege festival and the Royal Dinner, that took place in Busoga Region, ended peacefully. As a result, we want to thank all fans and well-wishers, who took the courage to attend. The revellers and fans were vigilant. Only a few minor incidents occurred. We want to thank all visitors who travelled from different parts of the county, those from the region and across the world.” Enanga’s statement reads in part.
“To the organisers, we thank them for the huge amount of workdone in preparing for the events like this. Our joint safety and security measures were felt and tested by the majority.”
Prior to the event, the US Embassy in Kampala and the UK government issued alerts warning their nationals of heightened security risk associated with Nyege Nyege Festival. The alerts pointed to risk of terrorist attacks and urged US & UK nationals to avoid going to events in cities of Kampala and Jinja.
Nyege Nyege is an annual fun-filled event on the shores of Lake Victoria which attracts thousands of revellers from across the globe to converge on the outskirts of Jinja City.
