Emma Ssejjengo
A few months from now, Uganda will make 50 as an independent state. So it is only expected of any patriotic person to hang out at a place that reminds you that we, as a nation, are that old. If you want to get hold of the past, National Theatre bars are the place to go.

Hanging with the stars in the foyer
Theatre foyer bars are designed as places for theatre goers to interact with cast members and the directors’ teams. And in a way, for more than 50 years, this bar has provided that service. You may catch Phillip Luswata pass by.

Edwin Mukalazi will place an order for his Uganda Waragi and go ahead to chat with you. Hon Ken Lukyamuzi, his never-ending debates and the transistor radio used to be regulars. Most debates are, as expected, about the arts; especially drama. And these are very brave debators.

They dare to criticise National Theatre management right in this bar. It is like a visitor to your home telling you what’s so wrong with your wife. You may be tempted to poison him.

Roger “culture”
Alex Mukulu once criticised the National Theatre in the statement: “If our culture means eating sausages, then National Theatre is on the right track as a promoter of culture.” From then on, Roger, the guy who roasts sausages at the restaurant, was christened Culture.

He is quite popular and it is believed that his muchomo is more addictive than tobacco. The restaurant serves buffet at lunch time but is also a place for watching soaps later in the evening. On most days, there are wedding meetings taking place around here.

And that means you may just be invited to your OB’s meeting; meaning you spend your cash on someone who you haven’t seen in more than 15 years.