Uganda: Heightened security is almost certain during annual music festival in Jinja from Nov. 9-12

Authorities will employ heightened security measures in Jinja during the annual Nyege Nyege Music Festival from Nov. 9-12 amid security risks. Ugandan People's Defense Forces (UPDF) and police services plan to deploy over 300 personnel to ensure public and property safety during the event. Participants are expected to gather at four location venues, including Source of the Nile, Nile Park, Jinja Golf Ground, and Jinja Agricultural Showground. The festival is expected to draw in well over 10,000 participants over four days. Additionally, French officials, the US Embassy in Kampala, and the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued security alerts on Nov. 6-8, warning its nationals against traveling to Jinja and reconsidering participating in any upcoming Nyege Nyege Music Festival and other large public gatherings due to increased terrorist activity; other foreign authorities may issue similar alerts to their citizens. The warning further lists foreign nationals, large-scale worship services, music and cultural festivals, hotels, malls, and marketplaces as potential targets.

Authorities will likely establish checkpoints, foot patrols, vehicles and individual searches during the event. The influx of festival attendees may increase vehicle and pedestrian congestion in Jinja and along the A109. Further travel disruptions could occur in areas with a heavy security presence. Increased opportunistic criminal and terrorist activity is possible during large gatherings.