By Simon Peter Tumwine
Despite the frustrating economy, with prices of fuel as high as sh5,700 per litre, revellers from the hills of Kigezi came in large numbers to attend the ninth edition of Bakiga Nation in Lugogo, Kampala on June 3.
The event started out boring, with a low turnout as many were still attending the Uganda Martyr’s Day celebrations in Namugongo.
This was to change later.
A cultural troupe began with Ekitaguriro, a traditional dance from south-western Uganda. But before this, there was Okwevuga, a style of poetry by men who narrate their life achievements.
As the day progressed, the DJ blended a mix of international and traditional music.
One minute the revellers were jumping and dancing energetically to Ekitaguriro and the next, it was Buga, sang by Nigerians Tekno and Kizz Daniel.
There was plenty of bushera local drink, mixed with honey enturire in a gourd commonly known as endeku.
Wonders shall never end; as the rest of the people were drinking enturire, one of the revellers was seen adding bottled water into her endeku to fill it up.
The Bakiga Nation has become one of the most celebrated cultural events in the country and the event was themed Back to Our Roots.
Lots of activities were organised that included sack running, skipping ropes, board games and okwepena.
(All photos by Simon Peter Tumwine)
