As the clouds cleared over Nyungu Ya Mawe Forest Park, Day 2 of the Ndeku Nyama Choma Festival roared to life. Uganda Waragi, celebrating 60 years of heritage, took centre stage—literally and culturally—delivering an unforgettable night of flavour, music, and unfiltered joy.
By 4 p.m., the smoky aroma of grilling meat hung thick in the air. Revellers, fresh from a drizzly morning, gathered under the forest canopy, ready to feast and vibe.
What made this year’s festival stand out? A cultural twist. Uganda Waragi Lemon and Ginger, the newest sibling in the iconic family, flowed freely—but not in just any cup.
It was served in “Ndeku” gourds, a nod to Uganda’s rich traditions.
“This year marks 60 years of Uganda Waragi,” said Hillary Baguma, Head of Mainstream Spirits at Uganda Breweries. “We’re blending heritage with innovation—serving a new flavour in a timeless vessel.”
And it worked. The gourd wasn’t just a cup; it was a time capsule, bringing 1965 into 2025 with each sip.
As day turned to night, tents unzipped, bonfires crackled, and music took over. Afrobeat, Amapiano, and local hits pulsed from the speakers. DJs Critic, Willcuts, and Unknown DJ led a sonic charge that turned the park into a dancefloor.
But this wasn’t just about music—it was about style. A surprise fashion show interrupted the groove with bold, rule-breaking looks. Models walked like they owned time itself, blending vintage inspiration with modern flair.
Then, a hush. Emma Frost stepped on stage, guitar in hand. Her acoustic covers of local favourites—“Sijja,” “Masavu,” “Ekyange”—pulled the crowd in. Voices rose in harmony beneath a canopy of stars, gourds swaying like lighters at a rock show.
Under the night sky, strangers clinked drinks like old friends. Stories flowed. Laughter echoed.
This wasn’t just a festival. It was a celebration of who we are and where we’re going.
Uganda Waragi didn’t just sponsor an event—they sparked a movement. One that embraces the past but dances boldly into the future.
As Sunday morning crept in, the music softened, but the memories remained etched in the smoky air.
