(Jinja) – Police confirmed the arrest of 35 male suspects during the Nyege Nyege Festival in Jinja, citing various offenses, including attempts to cause chaos at the popular event. Despite these incidents, authorities described the four day cultural celebration as generally peaceful and successful.
Speaking at a weekly joint security briefing at Uganda Police headquarters in Naguru, police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma reported that the suspects remain in custody and are awaiting court appearances. He emphasized that such isolated cases are common during large gatherings but do not overshadow the event’s success.
The Nyege Nyege Festival, held from November 14 to 18, attracted thousands of revellers from East Africa and beyond, showcasing Ugandan culture and music. Security at the event was robust, with police, military personnel, and plainclothes operatives working together to ensure order.
Kituuma noted, “The cases of disturbance were minimal given the scale of the event. With only 35 arrests out of thousands of attendees, we consider this a well managed and successful festival.”
The festival’s highlights included live performances on the Reggae stage, headlined by Jamaican artist Cali P, alongside other local and international acts.
| Key Details of Nyege Nyege 2024 | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | November 14–18, 2024 |
| Location | Jinja City, Uganda |
| Number of Arrests | 35 |
| Suspects | All male; in custody |
| Security Measures | Joint efforts by Police, Army, Plainclothes Operatives |
| Festival Highlight | Reggae Stage featuring Cali P |
The festival has grown into a global celebration of music, dance, and cultural exchange, drawing participants from across Africa and the world. Organizers and security agencies alike expressed satisfaction with the overall outcome of the 2024 edition.
