The SO UG SO 60 campaign is a celebration by Uganda waragi for those who embody the true Ugandan spirit, its warmth, creativity, and endless optimism. To celebrate six decades of Uganda Waragi, the brand partnered with a community that embodies Ugandan-ness, the boda boda riders, in partnership with Safe Boda.
“We chose to celebrate with the boda boda community because they are integral to our way of life, a true reflection of Uganda’s spirit of creativity and hustle. Just like Uganda Waragi, they connect us; they move us; they are part of what binds us together as Ugandans. Our 60th anniversary is a milestone and a reaffirmation that we will always be The Spirit of Uganda,” said Hilda Aguti, Marketing Manager, Mainstream Spirits, Uganda Breweries Limited.
In Wandegeya, salon women chatted between braids and blow-dries, receiving surprise packages wrapped in joy, the master hands behind how Ugandans look and feel their best, though rarely recognized. Nearby, Sula Birungo, master of Kikalaayi Chicken, filled the air with that familiar, irresistible aroma, while Jib the rolex guy rolled up Uganda’s most loved street meal on a roadside pan, a classic that fits every craving: breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack on the go.In Nakawa Market, food vendors paused mid-service to serve up their famous meere yoona dishes, the taste of home, a collective of uniquely Ugandan cuisines that fuel the nation’s spirit. Among them, Nalongo Kinene smiled proudly, an icon whose daily hustle keeps Uganda nourished.
On the streets, a boda boda rider and taxi driver received their gifts with laughter, the living heartbeat of Kampala’s daily rhythm.Across the city, icons like VJ Jingo, who brought global cinema to local audiences and turbo charged the entertainment scene also joined in the celebration.
By afternoon, the procession endes as all great Ugandan gatherings do with a shared meal. Tables overflow with beloved staples: matooke, kinyebwa, yams, and beef in groundnut paste. The air is thick with the aroma from huge saucepans, laughter from every direction, and the sound of joy. Strangers become companions; stories are shared; the space feels smaller, warmer, closer, filled with the hospitality that defines who we are.
“For 60 years, Uganda Waragi has shared in our laughter and memories. This anniversary is our thank-you to every Ugandan who has made our spirit their own and that’s SO UG SO 60,” said Hillary Baguma, Brand Manager, Uganda Waragi.
A Legacy Rooted in Ugandan HeritageUganda Waragi’s story is one of heritage and heart. It began with generations of local gin-making, perfected in 1965 by 26 master blenders, crafting a spirit that would go on to be recognised globally for its distinct taste. Using pure waters from Lake Victoria and a unique blend of botanicals, they created a gin unlike any other in the world.
“For Uganda Waragi, this milestone is a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and innovation. For Uganda, it’s a tribute to our shared heritage, creativity, and craftsmanship, a testament to what it means to be proudly Ugandan,” says Edgar Kihumuro, Shopper Manager.
Today, Uganda Waragi continues to embody national pride and world-class craftsmanship. With over 28 international gold awards, including the prestigious Grand Gold from Monde Selection 2023, cementing its status as a premium, internationally competitive gin.From the classic Original to bold flavours like Coconut, Pineapple, and Lemon & Ginger, Uganda Waragi continues to reinvent itself while staying true to its roots.This is only the beginning, the SO UG SO 60 anniversary will unfold across the year through vibrant and exciting experiences.
Uganda Waragi @ 60 is a celebration and a reflection of who we are. Bold yet humble. Creative yet grounded. Proud yet warm. From local bars to global stages, from family gatherings to flights aboard Uganda Airlines, it carries with it the unmistakable taste of home. It reminds us that the true Spirit of Uganda is lived every day in our hustle, our laughter, and our endless optimism. So today, when we toast to 60 memorable years of a gin, it is a toast to us, to Uganda.
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