Mbarara, neighbors gear up for Ekinihiiro festival as Radio West marks 27 years
The Ekinihiiro stage will feature some of Uganda's biggest music names including: Sheebah Karungi, Alien Skin, Feffe Bussi, Ronald Mayinja, Truth 256, Sister Charity, T Paul, Rasta Charz, Megatone, and Omega 256 among others.
Radio West Station Manager Dickson Nandinda (dressed in black) wishing the players good luck ahead of the Ekinihiiro match in Ntungamo. (Photo by Radio West)
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All is set for Saturday's Ekinihiiro festival as Radio West marks 27 years of existence at Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara City.
Dubbed "Huuta Obunuzi”, meaning "Enjoy the sweetness,” this year's celebration on July 25th promises to be one of the biggest in the station's history, with gates opening at 7am for a 24-hour event expected to draw thousands of fans from across western Uganda and beyond.
"I want to thank our fans, partners, and promoters for the great journey over the years. I call upon everyone to come and celebrate with us. The festival is a 24-hour event, and there shall be free food for early comers," Radio West's Manager, Dickson Baryahabwe said on Friday, July 24.
The first 4,000 to 5,000 people walking through the gates will receive free food, while early bird tickets are available at a discounted price of sh7,000, he revealed.
Over the past weeks, Radio West took its celebrations to the people and hosted regional night parties in Kyenjojo, Fort Portal, and Mbarara. It also organised community football matches in Bwizibwera, Ntungamo, and Isingiro. Fans won Radio West merchandise, free drinks, and event tickets along the way.
Partners including Ruhiira Millennium SACCO, Nyakayojo Peoples' SACCO, and Bwizibwera Farmers' SACCO participated in football friendlies and donated bulls to be slaughtered for fans at tomorrow's event.
Mbarara City Mayor Robert Kakyebezi, a former Radio West employee, has called on Radio West’s fans to turn out in large numbers.
He also described the station as a mentorship hub for future leaders.
Radio West Presenter Bobs Gad Abaho says he promises the best tomorrow: “we are bringing you Ekinihiiro vibes like never before tomorrow."
Fans' corner:
Moses Rusheshana from Kyamate in Ntungamo says he is bringing along his wife and children. "I can't wait for this Saturday," he said. Radio West Presenter Bobs Gad Abaho says promises the best tomorrow says “we are bringing you Ekinihiiro vibes like never before tomorrow."
Ahumuza Racheal and Kobuganzi Anna, both residents of Kizungu in Mbarara, say they have already bought their winning vouchers and are eagerly anticipating the prizes on offer.
"I heard we shall be winning gifts like T-shirts and TVs I can't wait," Racheal said. The two say tomorrow cannot come soon enough.