Roadblocks, police and patrol cars announcing curfew are no more. Name nooks in homes, beaches on Lake Victoria, clubs - thousands of people are holding legal raves and parties across the country. 

Bursting with energy after the solitude of the coronavirus lockdowns, Ugandans are seeking some fun after two years of bans on festivals, clubbing and parties. They are visibly assuaging their thirst for contact.

Unfortunately, after one bottle too many some nightlife revellers are seen flouting Ministry Of Health regulations.

Jazz music in the evening leaves Kampalans tapping their feet to the beat.

“After sipping sanitiser (Uganda Waragi) I have seen patrons not minding their health,” says Rose Amuge in Kisasi. “They peck and rub chins like it were before the Covid-19 outbreak.”

As the exuberance of greater freedom explodes in Ugandans after the gloom of the lockdown, parties have popped up in Gulu, Teso and Busoga.

“Join us on the magical night party,” reads a message focused on Soroti City residents.

“Let’s get together and share some vibes, beer, nyama choma,” reads another in the Entebbe group.

Nationally people are longing to socially connect. They are inventing birthdays, anniversaries and meeting opportunities.

Birders enjoying a meal

Stories are told of one learned patron who was nabbed swigging beer in Kyanja.

“He told the officers that it is his right to party,” narrated John Kigwe. “What the officers did was to take him to the coolers and let us finish our pints!”

“The Learned Friend returned calm and composed” summed Kigwe.

In Banga Beach, Entebbe, Robert Kiboli has been nicknamed Bemba Musota (a cruel King of Buganda) after hosting the fisher community.

“He left us speaking in tongues like the Balokole!” recounts Joseph Kigundu.