Fred Enanga Police spokesperson
Police have deployed at all major roads that lead to the Itanda falls in Itanda village, Jinja District where the Nyege Nyege festival that starts today will be held.
Police have warned that the joint security agencies are well prepared and fully equipped to secure the Nyege Nyege festival that will take place for four days. Police in a statement warned that sexual assault is an offence and not acceptable at the venue. The statement further says that consent before sexual activity is paramount, and that revellers should be on the lookout for sexual violators.
“We wish to inform the festive revelers and the public, that there are no credible or specific threats directed at the event. The Joint task teams are prepared to counter all forms of threats and also have plans to tackle any other vulnerabilities or eventualities targeting the festival goers,” Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said.
Security have directed a significant amount of manpower and logistical resources to the area.
“Our task teams have profiled the 16-acre venue, the surrounding trading centers, villages and hotspots, to help identify risks and how to counter them. They comprise of personnel from General Duties, UPDF, Counter terrorism, Field Force unit, Traffic, Marine, Canine, Fire Brigade, Medical and Intelligence agencies from ISO and CI. Their heightened presence will continue throughout the entire event and even after,”Enanga added.
“We are also periodically reviewing the safety management plan of the organizers and sponsors. This includes their response plans, security, staffing levels, traffic controls, access controls, emergency evacuation plans and the deployment of specialized equipment. As we draw nearer to the festive event, we do call upon all participants to enjoy the Nyege Nyege festival, in a safe, responsible and respectful manner, for each other and the local communities,” he added.
The festive event, is the largest policing activity in Kiira Region, according to the police spokesperson, since it’s expected to attract about 15,000 – 20,000 revelers and tourists, from the East African Community, other African countries and other parts of the world.
Started in 2015, the Nyege Nyege Festival is now considered one of the most highly attended music fetes in East Africa. It is renowned for having a semblance of curation and the unique East African party vibe.
Police have also provided security tips to the revelers to help guard against criminality. The tips they have given include:
- Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, where possible carry a power bank or chargers to power the battery.
- Ensure you have transport money or means to and from the venue. And have a plan on how to return home safely.
- Avoid lifts from strangers or non-taxis.
- Do not leave your mobile phone in the open. When you are finished using your phone, kindly put it away. Thieves can grab a phone from a table in seconds.
- Ensure your ticket is bought directly from the event organizers or their agents.
- While at the venue, make sure you are aware of the surroundings. And report any suspicious object or movement to the Police or organizers.
- Have a plan in place, in case you need to leave quickly. Identify the nearest exit that is safe.
- Drink responsibly. And avoid use of drugs like methamphetamines in drinks, so as to consume more drinks and stay conscious. It comes with risks.
- For the vast majority of people who want to have a good time, we are reminding them to keep an eye on what and how much you drink.
- Do not leave your drink open and unattended. It’s better to carry your drink in your hands.
- Do not pick drinks at random, you have no way of knowing what’s in them.
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