Nyege Nyege: Kadaga Fights Muslim Clerics As Fate Of Festival Hangs In Balance

The Minister of East African Affairs, Hon Rebecca Kadaga is once again on the spot for the Nyege Nyege festival this time around clashing with Muslim clerics in Jinja.

It should be noted that the former Speaker of Parliament was at the forefront of fighting for this festival to happen last year. This is after parliament had resorted to banning it claiming that it promotes immorality.

Kadaga fought tooth and nail for it to happen and it indeed went down. Well, this year’s edition seems to face the same challenges of hanging in balance.

The 8th edition of this festival is slated to take place between 9th-12th November. This is on a 50-acre piece of land covering the Source of the Nile, Jinja Showgrounds, Jinja Golf Course, and Source Gardens.

Speaking about this event, Sheikh Ismail Basoga Adi, the Jinja District Khadi said that government should prevent it. This is because, despite the money it brings in, it’s a breeding ground for immorality.

“The activities taking place at Nyege Nyege are not commendable, especially in terms of their impact on the younger generation. While they do generate substantial revenue, they also promote immorality within society.”

However, Kadaga wasn’t having any of this. She argued that this is an event for adults and asked how many kids go there. Further, the Kamuli district woman MP wondered why these didn’t stop the bourbon festival which happened in Jinja a few days ago yet it’s of the same nature.

“How many children have attended the Nyege Nyege Festival and why didn’t you ban the “bourbon” Festival which has just taken place in Jinja City just this weekend,” she said.

The Nyege Nyege Festival meanwhile is one that is widely anticipated for by both Ugandans and those abroad. Lots of people always come to this event to experience first hand practices they hear about and see in the media.