Marabou Comedy Fest revives stand-up scene in Kampala

When news broke of a three-day comedy festival in Kampala, excitement rippled through Uganda’s comedy enthusiasts.

Comedy shows in Uganda had somewhat gone to the dogs, and the most affected genre was Stand Up.

Some Stand-up comedians have attributed that downward spiral to the rise of TikTok that has given rise to anyone who thinks they can create funny content.

16-year-old Kaabu performing at the Marabou Laugh Fest at Donel's Bistro in Ntinda. Photo by Nicholas Oneal

So, when Marabou Comedy Fest was announced with a motley of stand-up comedians from different countries, it was worth attending just to laugh about everything in and around the region. A sizeable number of comedy enthusiasts descended to Donel Bistro in Ntinda.

Tuesday attracted over 20 with less familiar faces like Emmanuel Ekesit, Elvis Faki, Alphonse Obalim and Innocent IQ who were tasked with cracking the audience in five minutes.

Mohammed cracked the audience on why he respects the corporate people who enjoy comedy. Then he took political jives about Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Bobi Wine. The Uganda Parliament got its fair share of a laughing battering too.

Some ladies were heard asking if he was single. What was refreshing was the most of the comics were not afraid to tackle political content. Political satire has been the most avoided among Uganda’s standup comics for some good time.

Comedians Patrick Salvado with Emma Napoleon and other guests enjoying the performances at the Marabou Laugh Fest at Donel's Bistro in Ntinda

With all the abundant inspiration drawn from this campaign/nomination period, you would assume we would have full shows dedicated to political jokes.

The last day of the festival attracted foreign and local stars such as Zimbabwe’s Frank Chirisa, Botswana’s Thapelo, Kenya’s Doug Mutai, Tanzania’s Hamis Mdee alongside Uganda’s Hilary Okello, Daniel Omara, Agnes Akite, Okello Okello, Don Andre, Elly Odoki and Timothy J. Nyanzi.