The globally recognised Nyege Nyege Festival has, for the first time, shifted from its traditional home in Jinja City to the picturesque Kalagala Falls in Kayunga District—an inaugural move that has sparked widespread excitement among festival-goers and local communities.
This year’s edition has turned the normally serene waterfalls into a dazzling celebration of East African music and culture.
Residents, business owners, and visitors from across the world have embraced the change of venue, describing the atmosphere as one of the most dynamic in the festival’s history.
Derek Debru, co-founder of Nyege Nyege, said the festival continues to serve as one of Uganda’s biggest tourism magnets.
“This is the tourism event of the year. It’s a platform that celebrates Uganda’s rich hospitality, stunning nature, and of course, the best of underground music,” he said.
Nyege Nyege has earned international acclaim, frequently featured by CNN, BBC, and The New York Times, and draws thousands of visitors annually—a trend reflected in the surge of visas issued around festival time.
Debru said the festival offers the world a window into Uganda’s cultural and natural richness, adding that organisers hope visitors leave as ambassadors for the country.
Hotels and lodges around Kayunga and neighbouring districts are fully booked, with tourism operators reporting an influx of travellers.
The festival has also created economic opportunities for local communities, who have set up temporary restaurants, bars, food stalls and the popular Rolex tables that have become a staple of the Nyege Nyege experience.
Multiple music stages have been set up around Kalagala Falls, where top DJs and performers from across Africa are entertaining crowds deep into the night.
Revellers say the combination of music, culture and the breathtaking scenery has made the festival particularly memorable.
As Nyege Nyege enters its third day at its new home, organisers say the enthusiasm and turnout confirm that Kalagala Falls may become an exciting new chapter in the festival’s evolution.
