The iconic Nyege Nyege Festival made its debut at Kalagala Falls in Kayunga District, turning the normally serene waterfalls into a vibrant hub of music, culture, and community activity.
For the first time, the festival shifted from its traditional home in Jinja City, drawing thousands of revellers and boosting local tourism.
Festival co-founder Derek Debru described Nyege Nyege as “the tourism event of the year,” highlighting its role in showcasing Uganda’s hospitality, stunning natural landscapes, and underground music scene.
The festival has earned international recognition, with coverage from CNN, BBC, and The New York Times, and annually attracts visitors from across the globe.
Local hotels and lodges reported full bookings, while residents and business owners seized the opportunity to set up temporary restaurants, bars, and the popular Rolex stalls, creating economic benefits for the community. Multiple stages hosted top DJs and performers from Africa, entertaining crowds late into the night.
Debru added that the festival offers the world a window into Uganda’s cultural and natural richness, and organisers hope visitors leave as ambassadors for the country.
As Nyege Nyege enters its third day at Kalagala Falls, the enthusiasm and turnout suggest that the new location could mark an exciting chapter in the festival’s history.
