A City That Wakes Up At Bedtime!
Let’s talk about a city in East Africa that never sleeps, let’s talk about the lively people and the vibrant energy. Let’s talk about the Crazy Crazy daily nightlife in the city of the glorious Pearl of Africa, Kampala. One might ask themselves, how is it possible to keep the night activities alive and exciting every day of the week?
Since 77% of Uganda’s population is under the age of 25, Kampala city is predominantly inhabited and enjoyed by the younger population. Most of these decide to live in and around the city for purposes of convenience in terms of transportation, proximity to amenities and of course, being closer to exciting activities such as night-time amusement.
As earlier mentioned, the nightlife in Kampala is not tied to a specific day of the week. The Kampala nightlife thrives more towards the weekend and on Saturday especially, because people prefer to prepare for the week on Monday, Wrong!
People in Kampala can make merry every day, every night, Christmas Day, Easter, Eid or New Year’s, you can never worry that you will be out of season to take part in an activity or two!
I’ll take you on a trip of what a week of Kampala nightlife might look like. Sundays are usually times people spend with their loved ones. If it’s not a graduation party, it will be a birthday party, bridal shower, baby shower, a child’s christening celebration, or even just a get-together because it has been a while.
Some people like to celebrate at family homes and can go even deep into the night, while others prefer to go to a restaurant or hotel and reserve spots to celebrate. Of course, while this happens there will be other individuals in these places having a drink and sharing a laugh.
Restaurants and hotels can even close as late as midnight on Sunday. Occasionally some events extend till late such as Blankets and Wine events that are starting to return since their halt due to COVID-19.
Monday nights are known for cinemas and their mega price drops. A movie with a friend or a lover might be the extra kick to get your week going or a perfect way to recover from a long day at the office on Monday. Places to eat like Meza, at Acacia Mall are known to lower their Sharwama prices on Mondays, so they are sought after till closing time at the joint.
Kampala city by the night lights
Tuesdays and Thursdays are known to be the days where people get deals on two pizzas for one. What better excuse than this to catch up with a group of friends in the evening? Some lounges and bars also offer live band sessions at these places so people show up to groove along to the serenading voices. These days you can even enjoy Karaoke in certain bars and lounges on a good weekday or weekend night!
Friday night is the climax of the week. The bars are in full action, the restaurants are packed to the overflow, and you might find it difficult to find a cosy corner table at the hotel you like to sit at during the week. People will go the extra mile and “dress nicely” when they get the chance to go out.
The streets in and around the city suburbs are usually packed to capacity as cars with people trying to get home from a busy day collide with those that wish to start their second part of the day with some enjoyment, paid for.
Saturday nights host the after-parties and dance parties as well as food-sharing sessions at wedding parties especially. People are never in a rush to get home after a wedding on Saturday in Kampala. Concerts are slowly returning as people get used to the fact that there is no more curfew as a result of the significant drop in the spread of COVID-19.
Keep your eyes and ears on the ground and social media because there will be an occasional silent disco event at a location like the University Hostel nightclub or a lounge. (If you came towards the end of the year, you could even be lucky to enjoy a carnival event or MTN’s famous Nyege Nyege that is held in Jinja.)
There may also be pop-up events such as Trekking Timmy’s “Chummy walkers” that will have you and the group walk for a cause or towards a goal like planting trees. If you are into the performing arts, a play at the Kampala National Theatre might also be something to suit your interest.
People are thrilled to be able to enjoy life out and about once again and the fun is only getting started. In Kampala today, we like to say, “Tuli Wawelu” meaning we are outside! Will you join us?
