Jinja, Uganda – November 13, 2023 – The 8th edition of the Nyege Nyege Festival was held at the Nyege Wonderland, a spectacular 100 acre site spanning across the Jinja Golf Club, Jinja Showgrounds,
Source of the Nile and Nile Park marked a historic milestone in the festival's legacy. From November 9 to November 12, 2023, over 20,000 music enthusiasts, including more than 3,000 tourists, converged in Jinja, making it the one of the biggest tourism events in East Africa.
Organized by Talent Africa and Nyege Nyege Tapes, the festival set new standards for safety and organisation. Heavy security deployment by the Uganda Police and UPDF supported by private security and the Uganda Red Cross ensured the safety and well-being of revelers. Despite international security alerts, the event maintained an unwavering commitment to security.
The festival was officially opened on Thursday, 9th November 2023 by the First Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga. She graced the event and delivered a reassuring message on behalf of the President, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring the security of all festival attendees.
Uganda Breweries Ltd, the title sponsor, played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of festival-goers. They carried out a comprehensive safety drinking campaign by encouraging revelers to prioritize their well-being. The campaign promoted responsible drinking habits, advising attendees to consume water, space their drinking, and snack/eat while enjoying alcoholic beverages.
The entertainment lineup was nothing short of spectacular, with over 300 acts across 7 stages, including headliners such as Sho Madjozi (SA), Eddy Kenzo, DJ Vigro Deep (SA), Apass, Janzi Band, Aunty Rayzor (Nigeria) and many more. The festival's diverse offerings extended beyond music, featuring a Ferris wheel, Merry Go Round, NRG Carnival Parade, Boat Rides, and Tourism Excursions and many other activities.
The local community in Jinja experienced a significant economic boost, with all hotels in a 20km radius fully booked out. SafeBoda organized all Boda Bodas under one umbrella, facilitating safe transportation, and locals given priority vendor slots. The festival's economic impact on Uganda is estimated to be at least $10 million USD.
Nyege Nyege 2023 was made possible by the support of sponsors and partners including Uganda Waragi, Smirnoff Vodka, Talent Africa, NBS Television, New Vision, Busoga Kingdom, Kiss Condoms, 106.5 NRG Radio and Jinja City Council
