There was panic for music and arts lovers yesterday when word went round that this weekend’s long-awaited Nyege Nyege Festival in Jinja had been halted.
Sections of society questioned the decision which had been based on the Ethics Minister’s letter alleging that he had been informed that the festival was a recruitment hub for homosexuals and that the activities there were not morally right for the nation.
However, in a surprise change of mind,Minister of Ethics and Integrity,Father Simon Lokodo who had vowed that the festival would not happen has bowed to pressure and cleared the event.
Fr Lokodo said yesterday that the organisers had previously escaped him and held the event, adding that it would not happen in 2018.
The minister had said that he had evidence that the festival was being used to celebrate and recruit young Ugandans into homosexuality.
In a statement released this morning, Lokodo says the organisers and government have agreed on certain changes and therefore the event will go on.
To the excitement of eager party goers, the festival which starts tomorrow and goes on till Sunday evening and attracts over 10,000 revelers will proceed.
Below, we reproduce the Minister’s statement;
