In preparation for the vibrant Nyege Nyege festival, security officials and organizers gathered for a preparatory meeting to outline essential strategies for the event’s success. The meeting was presided over by Jinja’s Resident City Commissioner, Mr. Dariua Nandinda, at the Jinja Agricultural showground. It was attended by various security personnel, including the Deputy RCCs for Jinja’s southern and northern divisions, Kiira Regional Police Commander SSP Rogers Sseguya, and CSP Wilson Omoding, the Deputy Director of Operations.
In addition to security representatives, officials from the Ministry of Ethics and Integrity, UPDF Cantonment Commander Col. Robert Ruteinama, Jinja City’s Deputy Mayor, and representatives of boda-boda riders participated in the meeting. The discussions focused on matters related to ensuring the security of the upcoming festival. This year’s Nyege Nyege is scheduled to take place from November 9th to 13th at various locations, including the Source of the Nile, Golf Course, Source Gardens, and the Agriculture showground.
Nyege Nyege is a renowned festival that attracts both domestic and international revelers, making it the top mega-event in Africa. The festival is set to feature six stages: the main stage, Hakuna Kalala, cultural festival, Busoga, Smirnoff, and UBL stages, where local and international artists will showcase their talents.
SP James Mubi, the Kiira Region Police spokesperson, emphasized that the meeting’s participants unanimously agreed to prioritize the safety of both domestic and international tourists and guests. Given the ongoing threats of terrorism and various other crimes, the security measures will include controlling access and thorough vetting of service providers, as well as profiling all participants.
Security experts will regularly inspect the festival’s sites to ensure stability and safety. Furthermore, enhancing street lighting in the city center, addressing dark spots, and intensifying the surveillance system through CCTV cameras were identified as significant actions that need to be undertaken for a successful event.
Jinja RCC Darius Nandinda urged the crime intelligence units of the police and UPDF to gather credible intelligence to enable operational officers to respond without delays. Members of the public were also called upon to maintain law and order before, during, and after the festival.
