The UK and US governments have issued red alert warnings advising travellers to avoid the Nyege Nyege festival in Uganda due to a “growing terror threat.” The US Embassy in Uganda urged its citizens not to attend the festival, along with all large-scale gatherings, places of worship and musical and cultural events due to increased terrorist activity. The UK Foreign Office issued a similar warning, specifying that British citizens should avoid Jinja Town, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the surrounding areas.
The alert comes after an attack on October 17, in which three people died, including a British citizen, in the same area as the festival. Nyege Nyege festival, which kicked off recently, is a key event for African-centred electronic music, returning to Uganda for its eighth edition this year in partnership with the City of Jinja. While the festival has African acts such as headliners Mejja and Trio Mio, it also includes international acts such as Tash LC, Menzi, De Schuurman, Sarra Wild, DJ Marcelle, and more.
Last year, members of the Ugandan parliament had called for the festival’s cancellation, citing concerns of Nyege Nyege’s “promotion of immorality and issues to do with homosexuality,” with one MP calling it a “breeding ground for sexual immorality.” The festival was given the go ahead in 2022 but was asked to adhere to strict guidelines to avoid breaching the country’s “cultural/moral norms,” including a ban on vulgar language, songs, and gestures.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni introduced a new set of laws earlier this year, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” described as some of the “world’s toughest anti-LGBTQIA+ laws.” The Foreign Office has warned British nationals about the anti-homosexuality act, advising them to remain vigilant if they are in the country and to contact the British High Commission in Kampala with any concerns. British nationals in Uganda in need of urgent help can call the Foreign Office 24/7, while those in the UK who may be worried about a British national in Uganda can call 24 hours a day
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