PICTORIAL: How it Went down at the Nyege Nyege Festival 2025 @ Kalagala Falls

The 10th edition of the Nyege Nyege Festival kicked off at the scenic Adrift Uganda venue, located on the iconic Kalagala Falls. This four-day celebration ran through to Sunday, 23rd November, and is a major tourist attraction for both tourists and lovers of music in showcasing Uganda’s culture, natural beauty, and growing tourism sector.

This event was attended by thousands and is a moment not only of celebration of music but also one that marks a milestone in the growth and future potential of Uganda’s tourism.

At its 10th anniversary, the festival maintained its international appeal, placing Uganda in a class of its own for both cultural tourism and adventure. The mix of world-class music, cultural display, and outdoor adventure surely marked a lasting impact on Uganda’s tourism sector and will go a long way in helping shape the future of the nation’s tourism industry.

Aly Alibhai, CEO of Talent Africa Group, thanked all departments  ensuring a safe and seamless experience. Security was a top priority, with national security agencies working in collaboration with festival organizers to ensure the safety of attendees.

Alibhai emphasized that the Nyege Nyege Festival 2025 offers more than just music. It was  strategically curated to deliver a multi-layered experience that celebrates Ugandan culture, community, and creativity. This expanded focus aligns with Uganda’s long-term tourism goals, promoting the country as a high-value, sustainable destination that supports both economic growth and cultural preservation.

The 10th edition introduced new spaces and features to enhance the visitor experience. These included the UGX Village, a cultural and fashion marketplace, and The Hive, a networking hub designed for music conferences, podcasts, and keynote sessions aimed at international delegates and industry professionals. These additions reflected the festival’s shift toward a more comprehensive tourism product that extends beyond music to include business, fashion, and cultural exchange—further boosting Uganda’s tourism impact.

The festival also aligned with Uganda’s growing emphasis on adventure tourism, with Adrift Uganda and the Lemara Group offering exciting on-site experiences such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, quad biking, and river cruises. These activities, coupled with the festival’s vibrant cultural offerings, provided a unique opportunity for tourists to explore Uganda’s natural beauty and create a lasting economic impact in local communities. The influx of tourists and adventure-seekers not only brings in much-needed revenue for local businesses but also encourages sustainable tourism practices in the region.

While the festival featured familiar attractions such as the Uganda Waragi Tent and the Hakuna Kulala Stage, it also introduced the Sunrise Stage, positioned near Kalagala Falls, providing a fresh experience for morning music lovers. With performances running from 6 am to 6 pm, this stage offered a unique way to engage with the surrounding natural environment while enjoying top-tier entertainment.

The economic impact of the Nyege Nyege Festival is significant, especially for the local communities around Kalagala Falls. The event draws tourists from both Uganda and international markets, stimulating local businesses in sectors like hospitality, transportation, and artisanal products. The tourism revenue generated helps to fund essential services and initiatives in the region, supporting the local workforce and providing job opportunities in the growing tourism and hospitality industries.

As Uganda continues to position itself as an exciting travel destination, festivals like Nyege Nyege play a crucial role in increasing awareness of the country’s offerings. The festival’s long-term impact will not only be seen in tourism statistics but also in the positive environmental and cultural outcomes fostered by responsible tourism practices. The partnership between local businesses and international tourism networks helps establish Uganda as a sustainable destination for travelers seeking authentic, enriching experiences.

It is significant to note that Nyege Nyege 2025 marks an important trend in the tourism development strategy for Uganda, especially in cultural and adventure tourism. This festival combines traditional cultural showcases with new adventure experiences to produce a model of tourism sustainability that benefits the economy but also promotes Uganda’s diverse heritage and natural resources.

With ongoing emphasis on quality tourism and sustainable development, the tourism sector in Uganda will continue to grow and bring sustained impacts to the local people and the wider Ugandan economy. As the global tourism markets increasingly shift towards more authentic and experiential tourism, so too will Uganda’s place within the international tourism marketplace continue to grow.