Nyungu Ya Mawe Forest Park came alive over the weekend with the Ndeku Nyama Choma Festival. The Saturday rains washed away any footprints in the hay-strewn paths of Day 1, as if to prepare a fresh canvas for Day 2 of the 3-day Festival. By 4 pm, the air was thick with the smoky allure of roasted meats sizzling on grills.
The festival’s heartbeat was its cultural twist: Uganda Waragi Lemon and Ginger, served in traditional “Ndeku” gourds, paid homage to the brand’s roots while offering a modern zing. “Uganda Waragi is proud to give our patrons the ability to enjoy in all ways they can,” said Hillary Baguma, Head of Mainstream Spirits at Uganda Breweries.
“This year marks 60 years of Uganda Waragi and we’ve been keen to bring a new twist to cultural celebrations with Lemon & Ginger. It’s a new drink, but today we’re serving it in Ndeku- just as those before us enjoyed their original drink back in 1965. We’re proud to collaborate, support and empower celebrations of culture and heritage.”
The revellers and campers huddled close, their spirits undampened by the daytime downpour. It was a scene that felt timeless as a nod to Uganda’s past and a toast to its future. As the sky turned from grey to the black of night, all the colors were closer to the ground as the festival truly caught fire.
The tented campers emerged from their cozy setups, drawn by the irresistible pull of music and enjoyments. The energy levels surged with each passing hour, fueled by the steady flow of Afrobeat, Amapiano and Ugandan contemporary and traditional music mixed by DJs including Critic, Willcuts and Unknown DJ.
A short but striking fashion show interlude added another layer of excitement, with models strutting bold, unconventional looks that blurred the lines between vintage, chic and innovative. The crowd cheered in approval with their gourds in hand.
The energy shifted when Emma Frost took the stage, enchanting the crowd with acoustic renditions of fan favorites like Sijja (Doctor Brain), Let It Be (Geosteady), Ekyange (Elijah Kitaka), Masavu (Azawi) and Tabbu (Ava Peace ). The crowd sang along, swaying under the stars. proving that whether through high-energy DJ sets or soulful live performances, Uganda knows how to party.
Under Nyungu Ya Mawe’s lush canopy, revellers shared drinks, music and laughter. As Uganda Waragi marks its 60th anniversary, the festival stood as a love letter to the past, present and future of Uganda’s party scene. With the bonfire and stage lights glowing and Uganda Waragi flowing, strangers became kin and nature met nightlife in perfect harmony as the party continued into Sunday morning.
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