Police in the Kiira region have confirmed the detainment of 35 individuals involved in various criminal activities during the Nyege-Nyege festival, held from November 9th to 12th, 2023. The suspects have undergone screening and are presently held at Jinja City’s Nalufenya police station, awaiting further legal proceedings.
According to a statement from the Kiira regional police command, 45 suspects were apprehended on the 10th and 11th of November. However, 10 of them, responsible for minor offenses, were cautioned and subsequently released.
| Offense | Number of Cases |
|---|---|
| Theft of Mobile Phones | 20 |
| Impersonating Police Officers | 3 |
| Possession of Opium | 3 |
| Forging Entry Tickets | 12 |
| Stealing from a Motor Vehicle | 1 |
The festival took place at the Source of the River Nile, the Agricultural Showgrounds, and the golf course. James Mubi, the Kiira regional police spokesperson, acknowledged that criminal elements exploited minor vulnerabilities but emphasized the successful arrest of the majority.
Mubi highlighted the extensive deployment of joint police and UPDF forces at the festival venue and its perimeters, resulting in fewer incidents compared to the previous year’s tally of over 86 cases.
He cautioned the public to remain vigilant, citing ongoing festivities such as the royal wedding, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve as potential targets for opportunistic individuals scheming to seize valuables.
Meanwhile, Hellen Namutumba, the premier of Busoga Kingdom, commended festivalgoers for their vigilance and continuous communication with security operatives, particularly in light of terror alerts from powerful nations.