Preparing a Kiga meal.
With her hands swaying to the rhythm, Anne Kansiime’s feet are in sync as she elatedly connects with a loudly reciprocating audience. The celebrated comedian is performing Mwanjari, a folk love musical story about her teenage heartthrob who thrived every time their parents asked them to escort them to the local market.
Backed by her sister, Shine Omukiga and her producer, Barnabas, Kansiime was the headlining entertainer at the 11th edition of Bakiga Nation held at the KCCA Grounds in Lugogo, Kampala on Saturday.
Revellers turned up in big numbers, many smartly clad in shorts and branded T-shirts with the phrase, Rukundo Egumeho, loosely translated to mean let love reign. After the security check, patrons were invited to take photographs at backdrops and spaces decorated with cultural regalia such as baskets, grinding stones, food gourds and more.
Many turned up with their calabashes or acquired some from strategic vendors who sold the significant drinking vessels along with enturire, a long potent fermented millet brew that is enjoyed by adults from south western Uganda.
Anne Kansiime and her sister Shine Omukiga.
Like the event name indicates, Bakiga Nation brought together both urban and rural folks and business entities. The famous Karecera shumbusha (samosas) and musibataayi (knotted dough) were on sale and so for was Dismus’ chips.
Joseph Kahirimbanyi, a proud Mukiga, says the gathering is a hearty and enthusiastic celebration of culture, heritage and traditions.
Revellers enjoying enturire at the event. Photos | Edgar R. Batte
He adds that the Saturday edition was particularly diverse in terms of different types of acts and music. It was about Bakiga hosting a big party and all cultures were welcomed.