Police Releases Guidelines Ahead of Controversial Nyege Nyege Festival

Security forces have released a list of guidelines for revelers ahead of the much anticipated Nyege Nyege scheduled for this weekend at Njeru, Jinja City.

The event that was approved to happen by the Executive last week is attracting 5.000- 20.000 revelers between 15 th and 18th September 2022.

The Uganda Police Force Spokesperson Fred Enanga says joint security forces have teamed up to deploy heavily at the event to counter any form of crime and offer security at the event.

Speaking to journalists at  the police headquarters in Naguru, Enanga says they will also use CCTV cameras to keenly monitor activities at the event.

“A significant manpower and logistical resources have been directed to the festivity.  We have retained sufficient abilities to maintain our frontline policing services in the two regions of Kiira and Sezibwa.  We have deployed within the venue spaces personnel who will be the look-out for disruptive and potentially predatory behaviors.  They will coordinate with the CCTV operating centre”says Enanga

Here are the guidelines

–  Security will look-out for loitering, leering, trailing lone or intoxicated individuals, harassment of females especially young female adults, committing acts sexual violence, physical assaults, robberies and thefts.

–  Revelers should keep an eye on what and how much your drink. 

–  Do not accept drinks from people you do not know.

–  Ensure you have transport money or means to and from the venue.  And have a plan for getting home safety.

– Stick with your friend and keep an eye on each other.

–  Do not pick up drinks at random, you have no way of knowing what is in them.

–   Drugs will not be tolerated at the event.  And there will be a very strict search policy in place by police.

–  Do not leave your drinks and property including bags and mobile phones unattended. We would also urge people not to bring unnecessary bags to the event.

– Keep valuables close at all times.  Keep wallets and purses out of sight.

– We anticipate predatory behavior from sex predators, targeting young adults and women. Be on the look-out for potential sex predators spotting and stalking you.  We shall be on the look-out.

–  Do not enter a camping site or tent without your will. Avoid any compromising situations like lone movements especially at night. Entering a tent can easily lead to acts of victimization including sexual violence.

–  Notify medics and police in case a health concern arises.

–   While at the venue, revelers should make sure they are aware of the surroundings. They should report any suspicious object or persons to the police or the organizers

–   Revelers should pay attention to where they can exit from at the venue and have a plan in case thy need to leave quickly.

– The open waters of the R. Nile are discouraged for swimming.

–   Ensure your camp or tent is not left unsupervised.

–  When buying a ticket, ensure it is bought directly from the event organisers.

–  Victims of sexual abuse or violence should take courage and immediately report to the police for investigations and post-rape treatment.

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among has maintained Parliament’s position on the controversial ‘Nyege Nyege’ festival despite meeting officials from the executive.

During plenary sitting on Thursday, speaker Among made it clear that parliament will not backtrack on its earlier decision to ban the concert, but pushed the responsibility to the Executive.

That Thursday afternoon, members of the Executive, led by the Minister of General Duties, Justine Kasule Lumumba interfaced with the speaker in a closed door meeting that hit a dead end.

Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance said that government believes in consultation and harmonizing positions.