Jinja gears up for Nyege Nyege festival

All is set today for the 2018 edition of Nyege Nyege music festival at Nile Discovery on the banks of River Nile in Buikwe District.

Nyege Nyege is one of the most celebrated music festivals in Uganda and takes place every September.
Yesterday, several trucks ferrying beer, spirits and other alcoholic beverages were seen making their way to the place, while barbecue stands were being erected.

Mr Benjamin Kasirye, one of the organisers, said: “This year promises to be bigger and better because we have set up five stages – up from three we had last year.”

Mr Collin Kashiringi, one of the revellers, says there is a lot of hype and he is looking forward to the function.
On Ethics minister Simon Lokodo’s attempt to ban the event, he said: “It was too late to ban it; there is nothing they could do. Perhaps they will have enough time to ban it next year.

Jeff, a US national, who is looking forward to the event, said: “There is no better way to get prepared for a festival I have been reading about for two years.”

A two-man British band comprising Harry Wright and Robbin Stuart, who are in Uganda for the first time, said they held their breath mid-way through their flight when they heard reports of government cancelling the show.

Many hotels in Jinja have been booked as revellers made prior reservations.

Mr Philip Imalingat, a worker at Speke Courts, said all their rooms were booked in advance ahead of the festival, while Mr Charles Tsapwe from Hotel Paradise said all their rooms are booked too.

Mr Fred Obura, a tour guide, said he is receiving calls from tourists and locals to find them accommodation.