The highly anticipated eighth edition of the Nyege Nyege Festival is set to kick off in style, with the esteemed presence of Uganda's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga. The festival, scheduled to run from November 9 to 12, is a cultural extravaganza aimed at celebrating the traditional musical heritage of Uganda and promoting the rich heritage of the Busoga Kingdom.
The festival, held in partnership with the city of Jinja, aims to maximize opportunities for the city, its residents, and the greater Busoga region. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga has been a longstanding advocate for the development and promotion of Busoga Kingdom affairs, receiving recognition from the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula IV, for her unwavering support.
Kadaga's appreciation of the festival's significance in generating both direct and indirect income for traders in the Busoga subregion has been widely acknowledged. She has consistently urged the people of Busoga to take pride in their heritage and promote it on a global stage.
Since its inception in 2015, the Uganda Waragi Nyege Nyege Festival has played a pivotal role in documenting and promoting Uganda's traditional musical heritage. It has grown to become the country's most significant cultural and festival tourism event, drawing thousands of visitors each year, including local, regional, and international attendees.
This year's festival will encompass approximately 50 acres of combined space, spanning the Source of the Nile, Jinja Showgrounds, Jinja Golf Course, and Source Gardens. One of the notable highlights will be the dedicated kingdom stage featuring traditional performances by over 25 artists from Busoga. This edition promises to be a spectacular celebration of culture and music, further cementing the festival's position as a significant cultural event on Uganda's calendar.
The opening ceremony, which is expected to be graced by First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, signifies the importance of the festival in promoting cultural heritage and tourism in the region. With a rich blend of tradition and contemporary music, the Uganda Waragi Nyege Nyege Festival is set to continue attracting music enthusiasts, cultural aficionados, and visitors from far and wide to Jinja and the greater Busoga region.
