MUBENDE: The Mubende district Police has issued a strong warning to all artistes, politicians, and their gangs that are going in for the NVA Mubende Festival, vowing to arrest all those who move around with a large number of people making violence, citing their tendency to commit violent crimes.
This bold step comes as a result of stopping violent clashes that have been happening between rival artistes such as Alien Skin and Pallaso and others that leave many party animals injured and some going home without their possessions.
The police have been facing criticism for looking on as the violence unfolds, raising concerns that the situation may lead to loss of lives.
While addressing the press in Kasaana Playground on Friday, January 17, 2025, ASP Martin Kalekyeezi, the Mubende District Police Commander said that the police will use all the available resources to ensure people’s safety both within and outside the premises.
Asp Martin revealed that artists henceforth will be limited to moving in a company of only five individuals as the Uganda police had already said including their deejay, manager, treasurer, security personnel, and secretary.
Failure to abide by the new rule would lead to these gangs being arrested and prosecuted.
“I want to warn those who have that “eggaali” A Luganda word meaning gangs to know that here in Mubende you will not commit violence because we will be seeing you. When you come with your “eggaali” (gangs) you will find me with a car, and If you think to come to disturb the peace for mubende people stop there here do not come.” DPC Martin vows.
DPC added that Failure to adhere to this, the group will be arrested and locked up. “We shall arrest you and sort it out later, Security will ensure that every one that is coming or has come for Nva Mubende Festival is safe and leaves safe.”
He however appealed to the public that is going to be part of the event to follow the guidelines that will be set by police.
The Festival will start with the Charity Run under the theme “Run for Pregnant Mothers” and the Chief Runner will be Rt. Reverend Father Emmanuel Mwerikande From our Lady of Fatima Mubende Catholic parish and Golola Moses of Uganda to raise awareness about maternal complications and support the health of pregnant women in Mubende.
The Doors will be open in the early morning of Saturday while the Run is expected to start at 7:00 am and finishes at 12km From Kasaana Playground, through Kifufu, Kisekende, Kirungi, Highway, Shell Kapipa, Makenke, Regional Referral Hospital, Katwe and back to Kasaana Playground.
Running Kits are still on the market at Winners Investments at Main Street, Eriana Hardware, and Jedmart Supermarket. The kit goes for 20,000shs.
All proceeds from the Nva Mubende Charity Run will be directed towards providing mama kits to over 300 expectant mothers in health centers across three constituencies including, Mubende Municipality, Buwekula South, and Buwekula Main.
After, the charity run, the NVA Mubende Festival music and performances will kick-started. Buy your ticket at only 10,000/= from Kasaana Playground event gates or at designated ticket selling points.
