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Security in Jinja, the heart of Busoga, is under intense scrutiny amidst reports of potential threats from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist groupas the city gears up for the Nyege Nyege festivals and the Royal Wedding pre-party (Kasiki) scheduled for November 9th and 10th, respectively.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime spent greater part of Wednesday 8^th November 2023 in Jinja for a reconnaissance mission at Nyege Nyege and Royal Wedding venues.

Katsigazi assured the country that security agencies are ready and able to protect revellers at both festivities despite the terror alerts foreign powers.

These concerns loom large as the city gears up for the Nyege Nyege festivals and the Royal Wedding pre-party (Kasiki) scheduled for November 9th and 10th, respectively. Recent advisories from the United States of America and the United Kingdom embassies cautioned their nationals against visiting Eastern cities in Uganda, particularly Jinja, before the renowned Nyege Nyege festival, citing reports of potential ADF attacks on revealers.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Godfrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, undertook a tour to assess the security arrangements at key event venues. Accompanied by the Kiira Regional Police Commander (RPC), SSP Rogers Sseguya, security officials visited prominent locations such as the Agriculture Showground, Source of the Nile, Nile Park, and Bugembe Stadium in Jinja city where the festivals are slated to take place.

Addressing the media, Gen. Katsigazi emphasized that security has been significantly heightened at all event venues and across the entire city. He expressed confidence that there would be no security breaches, underscoring the vigilance of the police and Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) based on available intelligence.

“We have received some threats, with certain groups allegedly planning to attack our people. However, we have sufficient resources to protect Ugandans,” asserted Katsigazi.

He assured that all festivals would proceed successfully, given the substantial manpower deployed and highlighted the paramount importance of safeguarding Ugandans and their property. Katsigazi downplayed the alleged terror threats, categorizing them as ordinary intimidations from individuals who would be apprehended soon.

“We will not allow anyone to intimidate our people with their ordinary threats. We have arrested such individuals before, and we will not hesitate to do so again if they are present,” he added.

Preparations for the vibrant Nyege Nyege festival are nearly complete, with stages installed and all necessary arrangements in place. The festival is scheduled to run from November 9th to 13th, attracting a diverse audience of both local and international revealers.

Ali Ally Bhai, the Chief Executive Officer of Talent Africa and one of the festival organizers, reassured journalists that comprehensive security measures have been implemented throughout Jinja. Hotels and accommodations in Jinja city and Njeru Municipality are already buzzing with revealers who have booked rooms in anticipation of the upcoming festivals.