Kampala City Festival

I am continuously surprised by what this country is capable of.

Here I am typing this post after 28 and ½ months living here.  After this time I am well aware that Uganda is able and capable of its dreams.  I know that Uganda has the resources.  I know that Uganda has potential.

But still.

Yesterday marked the day that celebrated the country’s capital and let me tell ya, Kampala pulled through.

KCCA, Kampala City Council Authority, has been organizing this event that looked like your average street fair in the States.

Parades with decked out vehicles that carried costumed dancers and promoted various goods. 

Multiple stages lined Kampala-Jinja road where performers entertained the large crowds. 

Vendors sold their beautiful art and handcrafted crafts under tents.

The aroma of barbeque filled the air as people grilled and roasted various meats.

There was even a stand for Chinese food.

Popsicles and ice cream were sold out of coolers and while I was tempted, I feared whether or not the water was boiled and it quickly melted under the Equatorial sun.

I headed to the event with my go to people… My youth and a fellow Volunteer who was staying with me.  We met at my house and in true fashion got dressed up in costume.  I attempted to keep my fashion sense by putting on neon green fishnets, shorts, feather earrings, red lipstick, and Chacos. 

Edgar in costume #1

Me and the girls

Me and the boys

As we arrived to the crazy taxi park in costume, we skipped through the streets while vendors tried to sell us sunglasses, pirated DVDs, and sweaters.

Why they sell sweaters in a place where the average temperature is in the 80s will still boggle me.

We made it up to the main event where we were welcomed and out costumes clearly blended in with the crowd.  Music was booming.  Face painting commenced on every corner.  Many wore masks as if we were at a masquerade. 

One of the vehicles that carried dancers was 

transformed into an alligator/crocodile out of sheet metal!

Oh and I know this might seem obvious but because it was a street fair, there were no bikes, bodas, buses, or matatus.  My youth and I danced in one of the busiest intersections of Kampala.  It was superb!

I ended up seeing many familiar faces… From other youth that I work with to artists that I have had the chance to connect with, I finally felt a sense of community. 

32° East, whom we at In Movement share our space with, were showcasing pieces from their month long contemporary art exhibit.  One part of this is the boda project, which transforms these everyday taxis into art.  Examples include one looking like a popcorn kernel that even sold popcorn from the back to another resembling a pineapple and even one that was encompassed in a giant helmet made out of plastic bottles.

One of the bodas from the boda project at 32° East, which 

shows what things Ugandans strap to the back of.  Including cows.

As the sun gave me awkward tan lines, I was quickly reminded how much this country has to offer.  As families traversed through the street with men holding children and women drinking beer, I realized that Uganda will eventually reach gender equality and that art will be accepted. 

It’s days like these that make me want to stay forever.

My girl Sharon who took all the photographs!