Just like we had a back and forth between banning and giving the green light to the Nyege Nyege festival, it is okay to subject those attending to similarly mixed reactions.
But festivals like Nyege Nyege are awesome to attend! right? The Nyege festival is scheduled to take place starting tomorrow until Sunday, at Itanda falls in Itanda village, Nakakulwe parish, Butagaya sub-county in Jinja District.
According to police, about 15,000–20,000 revelers, well-wishers, and tourists from the East African Community, other African countries, and other parts of the world are expected to attend the four-day event.
With such a huge number, we are sure there will be first-time festival-goers. Deciding to attend literally means you have consented to endure heat, rain, dirt, crowds, and long hours of standing and dancing, whilst enjoying the time of your life.
Despite all the craziness, you have to prepare a festival checklist to ensure you have all the essential items.
The first and obvious thing is the festival ticket because if you forget it, the rest doesn’t matter.
Secondly, money and a mobile phone. You’ll need money to buy food and beverages, and a phone to keep in contact with your friends.
After parliament claims that the festival lures underage children into participating in immoral acts, go with your national or work ID.
Have you booked your accommodation yet? If you are not camping, the festival will require you to move with a tent, sleeping bag, or sleeping mat. You may also take a blanket with you for extra warmth and comfort.
Another important thing when camping is a flag. This will help you locate your tent among thousands of others. But make sure it’s distinctive and recognizable.
When it comes to festival wear, police have been tasked with ensuring that the revelers are decent. We won’t go into details about decency, but let us focus on the unpredictability of the weather.
First of all, be prepared for hot days by packing warm weather clothes, such as shorts, t-shirts, tops, and dresses.
We are aware that sometimes it gets cold, especially at night, so pack some warm clothing, such as a long-sleeved sweatshirt, long trousers, a hoodie, or a sweater.
Also, make sure comfortable footwear like boots, trainers, and open shoes make it onto your festival packing list. But make sure they’re ones you don’t want to get ruined.
Lastly, health and hygiene are key. So pack things like hand sanitizer, deodorant, painkillers, contraceptives, and for women, carry sanitary products—you never know when your period will appear.
This year’s Nyege Nyege festival is sponsored by Uganda Waragi, Bell Lager, and Talent Africa.