Ugandans welcome 2009 in style
Jan 01, 2009
THE Ugandan skyline was lit by fireworks in various towns as the country welcomed the year 2009. There was heavy Police deployment all over Kampala city, with foot patrols in all trouble spots.
By Vision Reporters
THE Ugandan skyline was lit by fireworks in various towns as the country welcomed the year 2009.
At Club Silk in Kampala, the youth, mainly students on holiday, cuddled and kissed during a street dance fest and screamed to a fireworks display to usher in the new year.
Various artists who included Mowzey and Weasel, Bebe Cool, Jose Chameleon, Iryn Namubiru, Kid Fox and Chizzo entertained the crowd.
The event also coincided with the launch of the new Silk Events sound system.
Individuals among the merrymakers were overheard praying for luck, prosperity and health; although most just hugged, kissed and danced until day break.
At Super Paradise Bar and Restaurant at Crested Towers in Kampala, music from PAM Award winner Mowzey Radio and Weasel tore through the night sky.
Hordes of revellers filled the venue as early as 8:00pm, but the show remained lukewarm for most of the night as most performers were only known to the MCs. Bebe Cool’s appearance at 11:30pm was a godsend.
The Ndere Cultural Centre at Ntinda hosted a two-year family night marked by folk dance and music extravaganza. It was a sombre but enriching way of entering 2009.
At Lubiri, the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Mutebi, presided over the Enkuka ya CBS. Mutebi officially opened the year with a symbolic key as the fireworks sent his subjects into a frenzy at midnight. The crowd then chanted Kabaka asiimye! (the king has appreciated).
There was heavy Police deployment all over Kampala city, with foot patrols in all trouble spots.
Thousands of Christians converged at the Shimoni grounds, Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral, Kampala Pentecostal Church and at Nakivubo and Namboole stadia to pray for the new year.
Elsewhere in the country, there was drama in Bugiri town as people ran indoors when the fireworks went off. Relieved residents later said this was their first time to see fireworks.
In Mbarara town, 2009 was celebrated with the stand-up comedians Amarula Family, singers Sarah Zawedde and Emperor Orlandoh.
In Fort Portal, there were fireworks at the Mountains of the Moon Hotel while the Police rounded up a number of trouble-makers.
Contributions from Jacobs Odongo, Alex Balimwikungu, Emmanuel Ssejengo, Gilbert Mwijuke, Pidson Kareire, Hope Mafaranga, Moses Bikala and Patrick Kabateraine
THE Ugandan skyline was lit by fireworks in various towns as the country welcomed the year 2009.
At Club Silk in Kampala, the youth, mainly students on holiday, cuddled and kissed during a street dance fest and screamed to a fireworks display to usher in the new year.
Various artists who included Mowzey and Weasel, Bebe Cool, Jose Chameleon, Iryn Namubiru, Kid Fox and Chizzo entertained the crowd.
The event also coincided with the launch of the new Silk Events sound system.
Individuals among the merrymakers were overheard praying for luck, prosperity and health; although most just hugged, kissed and danced until day break.
At Super Paradise Bar and Restaurant at Crested Towers in Kampala, music from PAM Award winner Mowzey Radio and Weasel tore through the night sky.
Hordes of revellers filled the venue as early as 8:00pm, but the show remained lukewarm for most of the night as most performers were only known to the MCs. Bebe Cool’s appearance at 11:30pm was a godsend.
The Ndere Cultural Centre at Ntinda hosted a two-year family night marked by folk dance and music extravaganza. It was a sombre but enriching way of entering 2009.
At Lubiri, the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Mutebi, presided over the Enkuka ya CBS. Mutebi officially opened the year with a symbolic key as the fireworks sent his subjects into a frenzy at midnight. The crowd then chanted Kabaka asiimye! (the king has appreciated).
There was heavy Police deployment all over Kampala city, with foot patrols in all trouble spots.
Thousands of Christians converged at the Shimoni grounds, Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral, Kampala Pentecostal Church and at Nakivubo and Namboole stadia to pray for the new year.
Elsewhere in the country, there was drama in Bugiri town as people ran indoors when the fireworks went off. Relieved residents later said this was their first time to see fireworks.
In Mbarara town, 2009 was celebrated with the stand-up comedians Amarula Family, singers Sarah Zawedde and Emperor Orlandoh.
In Fort Portal, there were fireworks at the Mountains of the Moon Hotel while the Police rounded up a number of trouble-makers.
Contributions from Jacobs Odongo, Alex Balimwikungu, Emmanuel Ssejengo, Gilbert Mwijuke, Pidson Kareire, Hope Mafaranga, Moses Bikala and Patrick Kabateraine