Police in the Kiira region have reported that 35 individuals have been detained following their involvement in various criminal activities during the Nyege-Nyege festival, which took place from November 9th to 12th, 2023. The suspects have undergone screening and are presently being held at Jinja City's Nalufenya police station, awaiting further legal proceedings.
According to a statement issued by the Kiira regional police command, a total of 45 suspects were apprehended on November 10th and 11th. However, it has been determined that 10 of them were involved in minor offenses and have since been cautioned and released.
The crimes committed during the festival include 20 cases of mobile phone theft, three cases of impersonating police officers, three cases of possession of opium, 12 cases of forged entry tickets, and one case of theft from a motor vehicle. The festival venues encompassed the Source of the River Nile, the Agricultural Showgrounds, and the golf course.
James Mubi, the spokesperson for the Kiira regional police, emphasized that individuals with criminal intentions exploited minor vulnerabilities to cause disruption. Nevertheless, the majority of these individuals were apprehended.
Mubi further highlighted that a joint security operation involving the police and UPDF was deployed extensively at the festival venue and its surroundings to ensure the safety of attendees and their belongings. The number of incidents reported this year was significantly lower than the previous year, with over 86 cases registered.
He issued a warning to the general public, urging them to remain vigilant, as there are individuals constantly plotting to steal valuables during ongoing festivities such as the royal wedding, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.
In the meantime, Hellen Namutumba, the premier of Busoga Kingdom, commended festival-goers for their vigilance and continuous cooperation with security forces to prevent any form of diverse insecurity, particularly in light of terrorism alerts issued by powerful nations.
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