Uganda festival
Uganda festival
The Ugandan parliament has directed that the Nyege Nyege festival, an annual popular music concert, scheduled to take place in nine days’ time in the city of Jinja, east of the capital, Kampala, should be cancelled.
One MP said the concert was a "breeding ground for sexual immorality".
State Minister for Tourism Martin Magara however defended the event describing it as a hub for tourism.
He said more than 8,000 foreign tourists had already booked tickets for the event.
Parliamentary speaker Anita Among said parliament would not allow the promotion of tourism at the expense of children.
The ministry of ethics had given permission for the festival to take place on grounds that no children were allowed in and that no-one goes to the venue naked.
Nyege Nyege has been a big draw for music fans in the region and beyond, it showcases various artists from across the continent along with those in the diaspora.
The festival, which would be marking its seventh edition, has often attracted controversy.
In 2018, it was cancelled on grounds that it was promoting promiscuity but it was allowed it to proceed later after a public outcry.
