By Hakima Kawere
The Nyege Nyege festival, one of East Africa’s largest music and arts events, is once again the focus of intense debate, as prominent church leaders in Uganda’s Busoga region express strong opposition to its upcoming edition.
Scheduled to take place from November 14 to 17 in Jinja, the festival has drawn significant criticism from religious leaders who argue it promotes immorality, witchcraft, and promiscuity—values they feel conflict with their mission to uphold community standards.
Leading the charge are Bishop Zachary Sserwadda of Evangel Churches Uganda and Bishop Fred Maka of Elim Churches.
Together with other church figures, they are calling on the faithful to pray against the festival, which they contend undermines moral values.
Bishop Sserwadda underscored the gravity of their concerns, stating that church leaders possess “video and photo evidence to substantiate our argument against Nyege Nyege.”
Bishop Maka specifically took issue with the use of a biblical reference—2 Corinthians 3:17, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”—by the festival’s organizers.
He argued that the verse has been misinterpreted as a justification for unrestrained behavior, including “immorality” at the event.
“Freedom has a framework,” he said, adding, “the verse doesn’t say we are free to sin, free to evil, so it is quoted out of context.”
The opposition to Nyege Nyege has broadened to include economic concerns as well.
Pastor Samuel Tumwebaze expressed frustration that the high ticket prices exclude many locals in the economically struggling Busoga region.
He argues that the festival does not benefit the local community directly and may even contribute to a rise in poverty, warning that holding events perceived to encourage indecency could invoke divine punishment.
“Such festivals don’t have a place in our culture, and God has a way of dealing with those who indulge in such practices,” Tumwebaze added, drawing a comparison to disasters that have impacted other countries hosting similar events.
Yet, the festival is not without defenders.
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, an outspoken advocate of Nyege Nyege, has rebutted claims that it harms the local community.
Kadaga emphasized the economic boost the festival provides, noting that it fills hotels across the region and draws tourism revenue, creating jobs and stimulating development.
“Nyege Nyege is an important part of the region’s cultural and economic life, and it is bringing positive change,” she said, countering arguments from critics.
Kadaga’s remarks echo the sentiment of some Ugandans who see Nyege Nyege as a valuable cultural event that showcases local talent, attracts international visitors, and contributes significantly to the local economy.
With preparations underway and the start date fast approaching, the festival is moving forward amid both mounting criticism and support.
As the debate intensifies, the festival’s organizers have pledged to maintain a secure and respectful atmosphere while continuing to promote Uganda as a tourist destination.
Nyege Nyege, known for its celebration of diverse music and artistic expression, is set to attract thousands of attendees from within Uganda and abroad, despite its polarized reception among religious and civic leaders.
For now, the region remains divided, with Nyege Nyege positioned as both a beacon of economic promise and a point of contention in Uganda’s ongoing conversation about modernity, morality, and tradition.
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