KÀMPALA – The Uganda Police has released security guidelines for the Nyege Nyege cultural festival which is slated to start from Thursday, September 5, 2019, and end on Sunday at the Nile Discovery Beach in Njeru Town Council, near Jinja.
Nyege Nyege Festival is now considered the trending event in the region for both it’s kind of curation and it’s unique East African party vibe.
Nyege Nyege is a 4-day international music festival which includes an artist residency and community studios whose aim is to showcase all the exciting developments on the East African scene, to show daring projects and give a real voice to the artistes, making it a highlight for both audiences and musicians alike.
The police, will lead the security detail for the event.
The Police, after a meeting with the organisers on Tuesday, directed that maximum adherence to guidelines stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) between security agencies and organizers is ensured.
“The organizers of the 4-day event have elaborated that the purpose is to promote Ugandan culture and local music,” said deputy spokesperson Polly Namaye.
The Police added that there are some key aspects which are embedded in the MOU which require organizers to provide police with a detailed program of the event, to inform the deployment of security personnel as well as free access for the Joint security at the venue at any point in time.
Ms Namaye said the Joint Intelligence Committee will manage the accreditation to event.
“Narcotic substances and any form of drug abuse is prohibited. The Canine and Anti-narcotic units have been tasked to ensure compliance to this measure,” Namaye said.
She added that Police will ensure that the event is accessed only by adults.
“Processions and political rallies are NOT in the mandate of the Organizers of this festival,” Police warned.
The organizers have been tasked to provide guidelines to the revellers, prohibiting any use of prohibited drugs at the venue, acts of homosexuality, open sex and any other acts considered immoral because the Ugandan culture is a conservative one.
“Police will carry out a number of activities in addition to vetting and accrediting. These activities include but are not limited to: covert and overt deployments, intelligence-led patrols (foot and motorized), traffic control, aerial surveillance, and access control. The Counterterrorism and Fire and Rescue officers shall be at hand to support this operation,” added ASP Namaye.
The Security Agencies will work closely with other government institutions and Ministries such as Ministry of Health to prevent emergencies such as epidemics.
