Fashion, entertainment and glamour mark Kampala goat race

Crowds cheer goats as they race at Speke Resort Munyonyo on October 12, 2019. PHOTOS BY EDDIE CHICCO

By 4 pm Saturday, there was heavy traffic on Bunga road and at the turn of Munyonyo as some motorists were caught unawares of what was happening that side of Kampala city.

There’s usually such heavy traffic when there’s an international conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo. But no! There was no such meeting.

Back in the day, it was the biggest event on the entertainment calendar but after a break of almost 10 years, the Royal Ascot Goat races which had become a ‘thing of the past’ is back.

Going by what happened on Saturday, seems the event is back to reclaim its spot on the entertainment scene.

The Royal Ascot Goat Races marked October 12, 2019 as an exhilarating and glamorous day for revellers from all over Kampala who thronged Speke Resort Munyonyo for nonstop entertainment, climaxed with goat races.

Powered by Tusker Malt Lager, the event kicked off with eight races lined up for an action-packed series of the contest as the crowd and goat owners cheered on. For others, they made friendly bets on which goats would claim the top positions which was a thrilling experience for many.

Off the race tracks, it was a beautiful scenery as revellers donned and showed off different fashion designs.

With some dressed in wrappers, jumpsuits, suits, tight jeans and leggings, revellers arrived dressed in all kinds of outfits seemingly to prove a point.

The hospitality tents added more flair to the event with the goat owners’ tents being the busiest.

Each tent wanted to prove a point by serving free food and drinks all day and all night. Some even went an extra-mile of offering performances to entertain revellers who would pass by their tent.

But the overall performances took place at the main stage with three artistes giving out their very best. Lydia Jazmine, accompanied by her dancers, was the first performer. She was quickly followed by Ykee Benda but the highlight came from Big Trill, whose ‘Party after Party’ hit left many yearning for more.

Apart from the fun, charity has always been part of the Goat Races. Proceeds from the event will go to an Eco Brick project to construct toilets aimed at improving sanitation at the Good Samaritan High School in Kamwokya.

issejjombwe@ug.nationmedia.com