Nyege Nyege Festival turns 10, moves to Kalagala Falls

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The iconic celebration of music and arts Nyege Nyege Festival is set to make its highly anticipated return for its 10th anniversary, running from November 20 to 23, 2025.

This landmark edition, dubbed Ekiggunda Ky’omuliro, signals a decade of vibrant cultural expression, musical diversity, and bold artistic defiance. Though often surrounded by controversy, Nyege Nyege has grown into one of Africa’s most influential and talked-about cultural events.

In line with recent tradition, organisers have once again unveiled a fresh venue for 2025: Kalagala Falls in Kayunga District, nestled along the scenic banks of the River Nile. It marks a significant shift, as the festival moves for the first time from its long-standing home of Jinja, where it was first held in 2015.

Organisers say the move is designed to reinvigorate the festival experience while showcasing Uganda’s natural beauty and cultural richness. With its lush landscape and deep-rooted heritage, Kalagala Falls is expected to offer a striking new canvas for this year’s edition.

As in years past, the festival has sparked passionate debate among politicians and religious leaders. Critics have called for its cancellation over morality concerns, while supporters defend it as a celebration of Ugandan culture, a magnet for tourism, and a catalyst for economic activity.