The newly appointed Overseer of Born Again Churches in Jinja City, Bishop Richard Kyendakulya, has vowed to block the upcoming Nyege Nyege Festival, scheduled to take place at the Source of the Nile.
Kyendakulya made this declaration during his inaugural speech following his consecration at Jinja Christian Centre (JCC).
He argued that the festival, known for its vibrant celebrations, has only been permitted in previous years due to a lack of strong religious leadership in the city.
He assured the congregation that, under his guidance, such events would no longer be tolerated.
"We shall allow people to preach the word of God, but we shall not allow them to preach promiscuity," Bishop Kyendakulya stated.
He emphasized that, with his appointment as a key faith leader of the Pentecostal Churches in Jinja, the festival would face opposition.
The Nyege Nyege Festival, an annual event that attracts thousands of revelers from around the world, is renowned for its eclectic mix of music, dance, and cultural exchange.
However, it has also faced criticism from religious and cultural leaders who perceive it as promoting immoral behavior, including nudity.
Despite its popularity and the significant economic boost it provides to Jinja and the broader Busoga region, the festival has faced opposition on moral grounds each year.
In 2022, the Ugandan Parliament debated banning the event, with several legislators advocating for its prohibition.
However, after high-level cabinet discussions, the festival was ultimately allowed to proceed due to its positive impact on tourism.
With this year’s event scheduled just two months away, Bishop Kyendakulya's remarks have ignited debate in the city.
While the government and Jinja City Council have endorsed the festival, the Bishop's firm stance indicates a potential conflict between religious leaders and the event organizers.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Bishop Kyendakulya's vow to block Nyege Nyege will materialize, and how the city's authorities and residents will respond to this challenge to the festival, which has become a hallmark of Jinja’s cultural landscape.