First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga has accused political leaders of using their positions to sabotage Nyege Nyege festival, which she said is meant to promote Uganda’s tourism sector.
Speaking at Kyabazinga’s 8th coronation anniversary in Bugembe, Jinja, Tuesday, Ms Kadaga, who is also the minister for East African Community (EAC) Affairs, said the event does not promote immorality.
“The Ugandan government does not promote immorality. No one is buying tickets to promote immorality,” she said.
“Leaders should stop using their positions to fight Nyege Nyege,” she added.
Kadaga, who is also the former speaker of Parliament, said Nyege Nyege is the only prominent entertainment event that happens in Busoga that generates income for locals.
She added: “4,000 tourists will come from Kenya. They are in our hotels, giving us money. About 1,500 tourists are coming in from Tanzania. About 500 will come from Rwanda. More tourists will come from South Sudan. Stop lying to people that Nyege Nyege is about immorality.”
“People here in Busoga have stocked flour to make chapati for tourists. Stalls are being built to sell all sorts of goods to tourists. Is it right for any leader to decampaign Nyege Nyege?” she added.
This comes a week after Parliament announced the cancellation of Nyege Nyege, saying it will spread immorality.
“Why do you want to sell our country in the name of tourism? You are trying to promote tourism at the expense of our children, and we are not going to allow that function to take place. Next item!” Speaker Anita Among said.
But government through Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja allowed the event to continue.
Coined from a Luganda word, ekinyegenyege (uncontrollable urge), the festival is fronted as one where revellers have unlimited fun.
Co-founded by friends Derek Debru and Arlen Dilsizian, Nyege Nyege brings together a record label, Nyege Nyege Tapes, a studio and a festival.
The record label and studio are the hub for other artistes that are usually programmed by the festival. In fact, the main purpose of the festival is to give the artistes on the label and others like them around the world a platform to get their art seen.