Cheers to Bars: New campaign puts spotlight on nightlife and bar culture

Uganda’s nightlife is set to get a vibrant boost with the launch of Cheers to Bars, a new campaign by Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) that shines a spotlight on the country’s bar culture, bartenders, and the social spaces that fuel entertainment and community.

The initiative aims to celebrate the vital social and economic role bars play, while giving back to the people who keep the nightlife scene alive.

As part of the campaign, NBL will roll out a series of nationwide activities, including interactive bar activations and training sessions for bar owners and staff. These efforts are designed to enhance service delivery, support business growth, and strengthen Uganda’s dynamic nightlife economy.

Speaking at the launch event held at Serena Hotel in Kampala, Emmanuel Njuki, NBL’s Legal and Corporate Affairs Lead, emphasized the deeper significance of bars in Ugandan society.

“Bars are more than just meeting points, they’re cultural hubs, economic engines, and the heartbeat of Uganda’s nightlife. This campaign is about celebrating these spaces and empowering the people behind them: bar owners, bartenders, and the creative community,” he said.

Njuki added that the campaign is rooted in a broader vision to sustain livelihoods and enrich Uganda’s social fabric. According to the Oxford Economics Beer Report, Uganda’s beer industry contributes over sh2.31 trillion to the national economy and supports more than 170,000 jobs. But beyond the figures, bars are catalysts for music, fashion, dance, and entertainment.

Through Cheers to Bars, NBL will honor the unsung heroes of nightlife—bartenders, bar owners, and entertainers, while inviting fans to relive their favorite bar moments through engaging activations.

“Bars create opportunities for small traders, women entrepreneurs, musicians, and the creative sector. At Nile Breweries, we believe bars are where Uganda’s best memories are made, and we’re proud to celebrate their role in both our culture and economy,” Njuki concluded.

With Cheers to Bars, Uganda’s nightlife is not just being celebrated—it’s being elevated.