Prominent church leaders from Uganda’s Busoga region have raised strong objections against the Nyege Nyege Festival.
Religious figures, including Bishop Zachary Sserwadda of Evangel Churches Uganda and Bishop Fred Maka of Elim Churches, argue that the festival promotes values at odds with their mission, such as immorality and promiscuity, which they believe threaten community morals.
Bishop Sserwadda claims to possess “video and photo evidence” supporting their stance against the festival, which he says demonstrates activities misaligned with church teachings.
Additionally, Bishop Maka has taken issue with the festival’s use of a biblical reference, 2 Corinthians 3:17—“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”—arguing that organizers misuse it to endorse “unrestrained” behavior. “Freedom has a framework,” Maka asserted. “The verse doesn’t say we are free to sin or do evil; it is quoted out of context.”
On the other hand, First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga has defended the festival, underscoring its economic benefits. Kadaga noted that Nyege Nyege brings substantial tourism revenue to Jinja, fills local hotels, creates jobs, and supports regional development.
This ongoing debate reveals deep divisions in the community, with Nyege Nyege standing as a symbol of both economic opportunity and a point of contention in Uganda’s dialogue on tradition, morality, and modernity.