Clarissa is a young woman in her early 30s who wanted to experience the famous Nyege Nyege Festival, held annually in Jinja City. The festival took place from November 14 to 18, 2024, at the Jinja Golf Course, and everyone was talking about it. Excited, she made plans to go with her friends, Yvonne and Patra.
On Friday, November 15, Clarissa, Yvonne, and Patra traveled from Entebbe to Jinja City. They arrived by 4:00 PM and checked into a hotel near the festival venue. Patra suggested that instead of driving, they should take boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) to avoid the heavy traffic. The others agreed; it was a smart choice.
Once they arrived at the golf course, they were thrilled. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, music, and laughter. A group of friendly guys invited the three friends to join their table, and they happily accepted. They enjoyed drinks and shisha, laughing and dancing together. Clarissa loved the vibe and said, “We would move around in turns to check on different stages and fully enjoy the Nyege Nyege experience.
As the night wore on, the clock struck 3:00 AM. Yvonne and Patra began to feel tired and decided to head back to their hotel. Clarissa, still energized by the festival’s excitement, chose to stay longer. A young man named Richard offered to drop her off later, which she accepted.
However, after two hours, Richard and his friend revealed they were leaving for the night. As they walked to the car, Clarissa realized they were not heading to her hotel. Concerned, she asked, “Why are you taking another street? I need to get back to my hotel.”
Richard’s demeanor changed. He suddenly shouted, “I thought we were going to spend the night together!”
Shocked and uncomfortable, Clarissa firmly replied, “You just met me today, and you expect that? I’m not loose or looking for a one-night stand. Just take me to my hotel, please.”
Fuming, she decided to get out of the car. “Leave me here. I will find my way back,” she insisted. Richard sped off, leaving her frustrated but relieved to be free from the situation. She quickly jumped on a boda boda and returned to her hotel.
Later in the night, Clarissa tried to enjoy the festival again. When she passed by Richard, he acted as if he had never seen her before, completely ignoring her.
“Can you believe it? He looked right at me and then turned away! His friend just waved, and they walked away,” she said, shaking her head in disbelief.
Clarissa’s experience at the festival taught her the importance of trusting her instincts and standing her ground. She recognized how essential it was for women to say no to unwanted advances and to avoid risky situations. Through her story, she hoped to inspire other women to stay safe and make mindful choices, especially in unfamiliar environments.
