Dr Okello: Why Uganda must laugh

Ahead of the upcoming “Uganda Must Laugh” show at Theatre Labonita this Friday, Dr. Hilary Okello has given a sneak peek of what awaits revellers.  

He reveals that laughter, storytelling and pleasant surprises await attendees.  “Attendees can look forward to fresh, new jokes and the signature Ugandan humour that resonates so deeply with their realities.

This performance stands out for its personal and reflective themes, diving deeper into everyday Ugandan life while maintaining a humorous edge that is both honest and entertaining,” he told New Vision.

He says that preparing for a comedy special like this involves months of writing and testing material in smaller venues, ensuring that every joke lands perfectly—it's a meticulous process akin to surgery.

 Dr. Okello is excited about taking Ugandan comedy beyond borders, with performances in Botswana and South Africa. It is a testament to the fact that laughter transcends boundaries, and seeing diverse audiences connect with Ugandan narratives is incredibly rewarding.

Audiences outside Uganda often relate well to his jokes, as common human experiences tie them together despite different cultural backgrounds.

By learning about the host country's culture, Dr. Okello ensures his material resonates with everyone present. His approach focuses on shared human experiences, starting with Ugandan stories but ultimately creating a sense of universality that audiences can appreciate.

Aside from comedy, Dr. Okello draws on his background as a clinical officer, balancing his medical training with his comedy career.

 As comedy has evolved into his full-time profession, he is also dedicated to nurturing the comedy scene in Kampala through his involvement with the Laughing Marabou Stork Club.

Looking ahead, he has performances scheduled in Harare this December and plans for a world comedy tour next year, targeting at least ten African countries along with several European cities, the US, Canada, and Australia.

He is particularly excited about performing in London, New York, and Toronto, where vibrant African communities thrive.

Through his performances, Dr. Okello aims to showcase Uganda’s rich humour and humanity, emphasizing that laughter is a crucial part of the African spirit.

His inspiration stems from everyday life, drawing comedic material from the quirks of Ugandan culture—taxi drivers, village weddings, and more.

Balancing humor with significant social commentary is key to his approach, ensuring that audiences leave both amused and reflective.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Okello recognizes the growth he has experienced from his humble beginnings in comedy to now performing on international stages. His writing and performance style have evolved to become more intentional, focusing on entertaining while conveying meaningful stories.

The Ugandan comedy scene has made great strides, though Dr. Okello believes there is still a need for better structure and industry support to elevate local comedians to global platforms. He acknowledges the influence of local and international comedians like Salvador, Trevor Noah, and Dave Chappelle, who have all inspired his comedic journey.

As Dr. Okello prepares for his show at Theatre Labonita and his upcoming international tours, he expresses gratitude to his fans for their support and encourages everyone to come ready to laugh, reflect, and celebrate the uniqueness of Ugandan humour. His philosophy is simple: Uganda must laugh!