Welcome back from the weekend! We hope you had a fantastic time with thrilling events, outdoor parties, picnics, excursions, marathons, night outs, and sports action.
At Guide2Uganda, we are excited to bring you the highlights of the freshest weekend buzz from Friday to Sunday. Whether you missed out on Kampala’s signature and premium events, product launches, Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, Corporate Buzz, or the breathtaking tours to Uganda’s major attractions, our Weekend Buzz has got you covered. We deliver all the highlights, insights, and insider tips you need to stay in the loop.
Kyabazinga Celebrates 36th Birthday in a Grand Royal Affair
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Royal Highness William Gabula Nadiope IV, celebrated his 36th birthday in a colorful and elegant dinner held at Igenge Palace in Bugembe, Jinja City, on Saturday 14th December 2024. The grand occasion was graced by an array of dignitaries, members of the royal family and friends of the Kingdom.
The Kyabazinga, dressed in a refined black suit paired with a white shirt, was accompanied by his wife and Inhebantu of Busoga, Her Royal Highness Jovia Mutesi. This event marked the Inhebantu’s first public appearance at such a significant gathering in the Kingdom, adding a special touch to the celebration.
The evening was attended by high-profile figures including the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the Minister for General Duties in the Prime Minister’s Office, Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Aggrey David Kibenge, and Busoga Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, alongside his deputies. Other notable attendees included FUFA President Moses Magogo, prominent leaders like Prof. Wasswa Balunywa, FDC’s Salaamu Musumba, Members of Parliament, Royal Chiefs, Princes, and Princesses from the Kingdom’s Bulamogi chiefdom.
Guests began arriving at the palace as early as 2:00 PM, dressed in elegant suits, bow ties, party dresses, and traditional Gomesi, showcasing the Kingdom’s cultural pride. They were warmly received and ushered to their seats in the beautifully adorned mega tent, where the festivities later unfolded.
The Kyabazinga and the Inhebantu made their grand entrance at 7:30 PM, waving to the cheering crowd amidst ululations and chants of admiration. Their arrival set the tone for a night filled with celebration, entertainment, and heartfelt speeches.
Highlighting the evening, FUFA President Moses Magogo delivered a detailed presentation on the development of football in Busoga. He outlined a vision for strengthening football in the region, emphasizing its role in uniting and developing the Kingdom. Magogo also unveiled the new Busoga United team logo and jersey, which the Kyabazinga proudly signed. He appealed to stakeholders and well-wishers to support the team, calling for annual funding of UGX 500 million to propel its growth.
Busoga Kingdom’s Second Deputy Prime Minister, Owek. Al-Haj Osman Ahmed Noor, recognized and applauded development partners for their untiring contributions to the Kingdom’s growth initiatives. In his address, the Kyabazinga expressed heartfelt gratitude to all partners and stakeholders fostering development in Busoga. He further extended appreciation to his parents and those of the Inhebantu for their invaluable guidance.
The pinnacle of the evening was the ceremonial cake-cutting, where the Kyabazinga and Inhebantu jointly served guests. The event concluded with performances from local artists Rachael Monique and Tina Baiby, whose Kisoga songs paid tribute to the royal couple’s dedication to the Kingdom’s progress. The evening climaxed with lively moments on the dance floor, as some VVIP guests showcased their best dance moves, leaving the celebration on a high note.
MTWA and UWA Team Conquer Mountain Rwenzori to Hand Over Elena Camp and Safety Equipment
Last week, a team of 26 officers from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities (MTWA) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) embarked on one of the most challenging yet rewarding endeavors—hiking the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains. The mission was to officially hand over the newly constructed visitor facility, Elena Camp and essential mountaineering equipment to enhance the safety and experience of tourists visiting the Rwenzori mountains.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Jackline Nyiracyiza, Acting Commissioner for Museums and Monuments, handed over Elena Camp to the UWA Executive Director, represented by Mr. Stephen Masaba, Director of Tourism and Business Development. While officiating the handover, Ms. Nyiracyiza emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and support among all sector players to ensure the growth and development of Uganda’s tourism sector.
Elena Camp, situated 4,500 meters above sea level, is now fully equipped to meet the needs of mountaineers and their support teams. The facility boasts a capacity to accommodate 34 tourists and 36 support staff and includes a dining room, kitchen, storage facilities, steady water supply, power connections and fully furnished sleeping quarters complete with beds and mattresses. This significant development addresses the long-standing challenge of limited accommodation facilities for visitors trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains.
To further enhance safety for mountaineers and hikers, the Ministry also handed over state-of-the-art mountaineering and hiking equipment, including:
- Static ropes and single dynamic ropes
- Crampons, ice axes, and ice cleats
- Modern rescue stretchers and oxygen bags
- Carabiner clips, ascenders, bi-layers, and figure-8 devices
- Safety cameras for monitoring and rescue operations
The provision of this equipment signifies the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring tourist safety while promoting Rwenzori as a premier adventure tourism destination.
During the expedition, the team inspected newly constructed boardwalks built by MTWA in difficult and boggy sections of the trail, including those between Nyabitaba and John Matte Camps and Bujuku. These boardwalks are instrumental in enhancing accessibility and providing a safer hiking experience for visitors exploring the mountain’s rugged and challenging terrain.
Out of the 26 officers who embarked on this remarkable journey, 12 successfully reached Margherita Camp, located 5,109 meters above sea level. This achievement is a testament to the determination and endurance of the team, particularly Mr. Stephen Masaba, who reached this significant milestone.
The Permanent Secretary extended congratulations to the entire team for their resilience and applauded the UWA ground team, led by Mr. George Busingye, Warden in Charge of Rwenzori Mountain, and the porters for ensuring the team’s logistical and physical wellbeing throughout the expedition.
The handover of Elena Camp and safety equipment marks a big step in improving infrastructure and safety standards in Uganda’s mountain tourism sector. With upgraded facilities and safety measures in place, the Rwenzori Mountains are better positioned to attract both local and international adventurers, further solidifying Uganda’s status as the Pearl of Africa.
Lord Fred Sebatta’s 42-Year Musical Celebration Shines at Serena Hotel
Kampala was abuzz over the weekend with more than five sold-out concerts including Lord Fred Sebatta’s grand celebration of 42 years in music at the prestigious Kampala Serena Hotel. The legendary Kadongo Kamu singer, revered for his timeless classics and rare stage appearances, delivered a delightful evening that brought generations together in a shared celebration of music and memories.
Sebatta, a name etched deep into Uganda’s cultural soul, last graced the stage for a major concert over a decade ago. The anticipation for his return was palpable, and he delivered a show that not only lived up to expectations but transcended them, turning the Serena ballroom into a time machine of melodic wonder.
During a pre-show press conference, Sebatta spoke fondly of his relationship with veteran music producer and Fenon Entertainment founder, Steve Jean, whose magic touch transformed Sebatta’s music into enduring masterpieces. “I would like to thank Steve Jean. He loved Kadongo Kamu and suggested we tweak the beats and rhythm. At first, I resisted, but when he presented the finished sample, it was amazing. He worked on my timeless song ‘Nalwewuuba,’ and today, you can still find people dancing to it in clubs without losing the essence of the beats,” Sebatta shared with an evoking smile. He also fondly remembered the late Timothy Kizito, who collaborated on the celebrated hit Doole Yo’mwana.
With such history and reverence, it was fitting that Fenon Events—a powerhouse in event production—took charge of the entire concert setup. From the glittering stage design including the green screen that commanded attention to the impeccable sound and lighting that amplified every note, the production was nothing short of world-class. Serena Hotel sparkled with a magical ambiance that set the perfect stage for the legendary artist.
Sebatta, dressed elegantly and wielding his Matendo guitar like an extension of his soul, turned back the clock with a carefully curated setlist. Fans were treated to an emotional rollercoaster of hits like Nalwewuuba, Nabawanuka, Bamulya Asooka, Doole Yo’mwana, Enkumbi Eyamba, and Gologosa. The crowd—a beautiful blend of loyal longtime fans and exuberant youth—danced, sang, and swayed to every beat. For the older generation, it was a trip down memory lane; for the young, it was a revelation of the timeless brilliance of Kadongo Kamu.
The evening was more than just a concert; it was a love letter to Sebatta’s illustrious 42-year career and a mega tribute to Uganda’s rich musical heritage. From the flawless delivery of every note to the rapturous applause that echoed through Serena, it was clear that Sebatta’s music remains a living legacy—one that transcends age and time.
As the final notes faded and the lights dimmed, there was an overwhelming sense of joy and pride in the air. Lord Fred Sebatta had not just performed; he had reminded Uganda why his music remains a foundation of its cultural fabric. With his guitar and his heart in perfect harmony, Sebatta once again proved that true legends never fade—they only get better with time.
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