Behold, the wonder of the day; Makerere’s Serena ‘Hotel’

In Makerere University, one will see almost anything but behold; the wonder of its Serena surpasses all imagination.

The unmistakable food joint stands behind the famous un-inhibited block C of Lumumba hall. As you pass, a sign-post placed right beside the small foot path will catch your attention.  Why? – Because unlike many sign posts, there is no tress of wording! well, at least that’s what I thought at first…

It is until I came closer that I detected faint red ink; was it a pen scratched a number of times?  Nope, maybe a marker?  Before I decided which is which. I saw the words; “Food is available” and an arrow at the bottom. This I have seen for about  4 years. It is until a few days back that a new signpost knocked the air out of me. It read; “Food available at SERENA…”

Serena? “What took me so long to know Serena has a branch in Makerere?” I thought to myself.  I read more; It ended… Serena Best Food Joint. With a name like Serena however, I had to see for myself the replica of the hotel I only hear of in big regards. There, my eyes followed the arrow on the sign-post, desperately pleading to have a look at the place I might never afford a meal.

The search didn’t take too long; right before me stood a wooden building amidst a thicket of vegetation.  There were stairs; an architecture of a pile of sacks leading to the grand entrance. I descended slowly and there,I saw women on a hard mud ground serving food. My awe was palpable; not for the food but the contrast between the Serena I expected and the one that stood before me.I took a few shots squirming with unease for fear of being seen. Some men dressed in suits ate their food oblivious of my me.

There were stairs; an architecture of a pile of sacks leading to the grand entrance. I descended slowly and there, I saw women on a hard mud ground serving food. My awe was palpable; not for the food but the contrast between the Serena I expected and the one that stood before me. I took a few shots squirming with unease for fear of being seen. Some men dressed in suits ate their food oblivious of my me.

I took a few shots squirming with unease for fear of being seen. Some men dressed in suits ate their food oblivious of my me.

I met Esther Linda, a regular at the place the place. She says the food is fine and a lot for a price of shs2,500. Who am I to object? (I can afford a meal after all) When I asked for her comment  on the name, she simply laughed.