Jinja Pastors Protest Nyege Nyege Festival Over Moral Concerns

• Nov 12, 2024

Jinja-based Born Again pastors have joined forces with Busoga East Diocese Bishop Paul Hannington Suubi in a vocal opposition to the upcoming Nyege Nyege Music Festival, scheduled for November 14-17 at the Jinja Golf Ground. They argue the event promotes immoral behavior, threatening the community’s values, especially the well-being of young people.

Pastor James Muwumba of the Great Salvation Miracle Church expressed his concerns at a press briefing, calling the festival harmful to local morals. “Nyege Nyege undermines our values, especially when it comes to raising the next generation,” he stated. Pastor Muwumba further claimed, though without presenting direct evidence, that events like Nyege Nyege encourage activities linked to homosexuality. "Recently, Jinja has seen the spread of such acts, and this festival only amplifies the risks for our children," he said, suggesting that there are better economic opportunities that do not compromise moral integrity.

Pastor Zachariah Sserwadda of Evangel Church supported these views, citing biblical teachings against such gatherings. “We advise our young people to avoid this festival entirely. It is harmful and pulls them away from moral values,” Pastor Sserwadda said, calling on the public to stay uninvolved. He claimed that attendees at previous events documented incidents he deemed immoral, such as alleged homosexuality, although he did not provide proof at this event. “We had people observe the festival last year and document immoral acts, but the authorities ignored our concerns,” he said.

Adding to these warnings, Bishop Fredrick Maka of Elim Pentecostal Church in Jinja described the festival as a “temptation” laden with risks. He listed promiscuity, excessive drinking, and incidents of rape as issues associated with Nyege Nyege, urging community members to avoid attending. “As spiritual leaders, we see this festival as a threat to our moral fabric,” Bishop Maka added.

Bishop Suubi, speaking during a prayer meeting organized by the Busoga Consortium for Development in Luuka District, also voiced disapproval, advocating for the event to be canceled. “Children and students are exposed to negative influences there, and it is something we should not allow,” he said.

In contrast, the First Deputy Prime Minister, Kamuli Woman Member of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, defended Nyege Nyege, suggesting that the event targets mature audiences. Kadaga argued that ticket prices—reportedly reaching Shs300,000 last year—limit access for younger people, particularly students. “With tickets priced that high, it’s misleading to say that children are attending. This festival is for adults,” she stated, emphasizing the economic benefits the event brings to the area.

Kadaga highlighted how the festival fills local hotels and lodges across Jinja and nearby towns, creating a significant boost for the regional economy. Despite these economic arguments, Pastor Samuel Tumwebaze of Good Samaritan Church reaffirmed his stance, stating, “Morals should not be sacrificed for money.”

The opposing views highlight an ongoing debate between community leaders who prioritize moral integrity and those who see economic growth as beneficial for the region’s future. The Nyege Nyege Festival, one of Uganda’s largest music and cultural events, is expected to go forward despite the calls for cancellation.