Amidst mounting pressure from Muslim leaders in Jinja to prohibit this year’s Nyege Nyege Festival, former Speaker of Parliament and current Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, has taken a decisive stance in favor of the festival.

Sheikh Ismail Basoga Adi, the Khadi of Jinja district, publicly denounced the Nyege Nyege Festival, branding it as “bad and immoral,” and raising concerns about its moral character. “The activities that take place during the Nyege Nyege festival are often considered immoral, particularly for the younger generation. Despite its financial gains, it’s not a beneficial festival,” Basoga stated.


In response to these criticisms, Hon. Kadaga questioned why the same Muslim leaders had not expressed similar concerns about other festivals held across the country. She voiced her suspicion that those opposing the Nyege Nyege Festival might be exploiting religion as a pretext for their underlying motives. “I wonder why the Muslims have not protested against Blankets and Wine, musician battles, goat races, etc. Why haven’t Muslims in Kampala opposed the music and other festivals there? This seems to be fueled by individuals using religion as a cover,” said Rebecca Kadaga.

The Nyege Nyege Festival is slated to take place from November 9th to 12th, 2023, at various venues in Jinja, including Jinja Source of the Nile, Jinja Golf Course, and Jinja Agriculture Showgrounds in the Busoga region.

The comments made by Sheikh Ismail Basoga Adi, when shared online, elicited diverse reactions from netizens and former festival attendees, including Hon. Rebecca Kadaga.