Nyege Nyege Festival is returning to Kalagala Falls this November with a bigger 2026 edition that will feature more than 200 artists across seven stages.
The festival will take place from November 19–22, 2026, with Uganda Waragi returning as the main partner under a new three-year agreement announced at Talent Africa’s rooftop in Kampala.
The partnership is aimed at supporting the festival’s continued expansion, including infrastructure improvements, cultural programming and its wider economic impact on the region.
“Nyege Nyege and Uganda Waragi are both as authentically Ugandan as it gets,” said Hilda Aguti, Head of Mainstream Spirits at Uganda Breweries Limited.
Aguti said the partnership builds on Uganda Waragi’s long-running association with the festival and its growth over the years.
The 2026 edition will retain Nyege Nyege’s musical focus while expanding its programming. Seven stages are planned, including the expanded UG Stage, as well as the return of the Reggae Stage and Boiler Room Stage.
The UG Stage lineup currently includes Zonke Africa DJ Collective, King Saha, Linus Tattoos, Abeeka Band, DJ Akio (Strictly Soul), and Etania, with more artists expected to be announced.
This year’s festival will also carry a “Wakaliwood Edition” theme in partnership with Ramon Film Productions. Filmmaker Isaac G. G. Nabwana confirmed that the festival site will serve as an active film set for Wakaliwood’s next feature movie.
Nyege Nyege co-founder Derek Debru said the festival is being developed as a combination of music festival, movie set and playground, with the Nile River forming part of the experience.
Festival organizers have also announced improvements at Kalagala Falls, including parking closer to the venue, better navigation around the site and expanded accommodation and camping options.
Uganda Waragi will additionally launch a community tree-planting initiative around Kalagala Falls, with indigenous trees intended to support environmental conservation and habitat restoration.
The festival has become a significant draw for tourism and businesses in the wider Jinja and Eastern regions, benefiting hospitality providers, accommodation operators, food vendors, artisans and other local businesses.
Ahead of the main event, regional warm-up parties are also planned in Kenya and Rwanda, hosted by media personalities Sheila Gashumba and Kenya’s Azeezah Hashim.
Discounted Diehard tickets are available throughout September, while the festival’s full lineup, travel packages and other updates are expected to be released as the event approaches.
With its return to Kalagala Falls, expanded stages and Wakaliwood theme, Nyege Nyege 2026 is positioning its latest chapter around music, film, culture and tourism in one of Uganda’s most anticipated festival destinations.