The exhibition area at Munyonyo teems with colour, aroma and the sounds of animated Ugandans showcasing Uganda’s innovative spirit, diverse arts, food and culture. Artfully crafted sandals and fashionable outfits catch the eye, while realist and abstract art vies for one’s attention. One can taste cookies made with banana flour, and unique treats like Dr Sarah Lubanga Mubiru’s Aroma honey toffee. The flavours include ginger, peanut , coconut and coffee.
Speaking of coffee, the rich aroma of coffee catches one’s senses at Uganda Coffee Development Authority’s stall. The aromatic beverage favoured by people world over is one of Uganda’s biggest foreign exchange earners. At Nile Coffee, one can buy a distinctive product: coffee bags to brew a quick cup (or two) of coffee. Ian Mugisha, in charge of the company’s marketing, explained that they sell a blend of both Arabica and Robusta coffee.
But before one reaches the main tent, a stand-alone exhibition displays a jet-black motorcar, cordoned off with red velvet rope on gold stands. This special treatment is reserved for the Kiira EV, an electricity-powered sedan made in Uganda. One of the lead innovators, Allan Muhumuza, is on hand to explain more about the future of Uganda’s car manufacturing industry.
Sadly, this car is not yet for sale, but there are plenty of clothes, functional and decorative art pieces, foods and beverages to buy and take home.
Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, Member of the Parliament of Uganda for Bugiri Municipality, was pleasantly surprised to find the variety on display, especially the sample of Tooke banana flour porridge he tasted. “You see Uganda’s art, creativity, cultural wear…Uganda has been summarised here. Delegates should not be in a hurry to leave Munyonyo without visiting and buying from the exhibition,” he recommended.
