As days draw closer for the annual Nyege Nyege festival, the organizers have responded to Apostle Grace Lubega of Phaneroo Ministries International concerning banning the annual event, which he said promotes moral decay in the country.

In a statement, the organizers responded to Apostle Lubega’s concerns by backing their defense with a Bible verse (2 Corinthians 3:17) that celebrates the freedom to dance and enjoy life.

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We hope that includes the freedom to dance a little,” part of the statement read.

The organizers acknowledged that, much as the festival may not impress everyone, its purpose is to bring joy, support livelihoods, and enhance Uganda’s reputation as a culturally vibrant and welcoming destination.

This comes after Apostle Lubega declared in a sermon during a three-day crusade at the Railway Grounds in Jinja city that Nyege Nyege’s presence in the area should come to an end and urged believers to oppose such events.

“A time has come when people will try to enter the gates of Jinja city with Nyege Nyege, but the spiritual environment will not allow them. Shout ‘fire’ three times to cast out such ungodly festivals. How can they, out of the whole world, the entire continent of Africa, and all of Uganda, choose Jinja for such a festival? Jinja must be born again in the name of Jesus,” the apostle said.

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This is not the first time the Nyege Nyege festival is facing criticism. In 2022, the Parliament of Uganda nearly banned the event on grounds of immorality. Recently, the Bishop of Busoga East, Rt. Rev. Hannington Ssuubi, during the Busoga prayers organized by the Busoga consortium for development in Luuka district, criticized it, saying that it tarnishes the image of the region and corrupts the morals of the children.

Nyege Nyege is a festival in Uganda that promotes outsider music, primarily electronic by African artists. It was founded in 2013 by Arlen Dilsizian and Derek Debru. Its name refers to a Swahili word describing “a sudden, uncontrollable urge to dance.” It started as a small gathering of music enthusiasts and has since grown into Africa’s largest music and art festival, attracting visitors from over 30 countries.

This year’s Nyege Nyege edition is set to take place from November 14-17, 2024.