By Our Reporter
The U.S. Embassy has issued fresh terror alerts warning its staff not to attend the Nyege Nyege festival in Jinja from November 9-12, 2023, citing security concerns.
In light of this, the embassy strongly advises U.S. citizens against attending the festival and encourages them to stay informed through the latest Security Alert issued on November 6.
U.S. citizens planning international travel have been urged to stay vigilant, particularly in areas frequented by tourists.
”Additionally, the embassy recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely information and alerts, facilitating easier communication in case of an emergency overseas,” reads the Embassy’s terror warning.
This comes just two days after US and UK embassies issued similar warnings against this festival.
In separate statements, the two nations attributed the move to “growing terror threats” in Uganda, urging their nationals to refrain from travelling to the Eastern Uganda-located city lest it’s essential.
“The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) advises against all but essential travel to Jinja Town. There is a growing terror threat in Uganda, including the targeting of foreigners. Avoid large gatherings, including large scale worship, and music and cultural festivals in Uganda,” the statement by the UK High Commission reads in part.
“Due to increased terrorist activity, U.S. Embassy Kampala recommends that individuals exercise an elevated degree of caution and reconsider attendance at upcoming large public gatherings, such as large-scale worship services and music and cultural festivals in Kampala and Jinja,” the US alert issued two days back read in part.
In October, gunmen killed three people, including two foreign tourists, at a popular Ugandan national park.
“The three were killed, and their safari vehicle burnt,” police spokesman Fred Enanga said on X, formerly Twitter, at the time.
The trio were driving through the Queen Elizabeth National Park when they came under attack from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group.
“Our joint forces responded immediately upon receiving the information and are aggressively pursuing the suspected ADF rebels,” said Enanga.
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