By Our Reporter
The day begins unlike any other with vibrance and color replacing the mundane and usual. A lively procession of boda bodas weaves through Kampala’s streets, igniting curiosity, warmth, and joy wherever they pass, the very essence of the Ugandan spirit. Everywhere you look, there are beaming smiles and waving flags, creating an electric atmosphere of celebration. The occasion? Sixty years of shared moments, national pride, and genuine connection. Sixty years of our very own Uganda Waragi, the spirit that binds us.
But this celebration is not just for a brand. It’s a toast to Uganda itself, to its people and the stories that keep our nation vibrant and alive. A celebration by The Spirit of Uganda for those who embody the true Ugandan spirit, our warmth, creativity, and endless optimism.
If Kampala has a pulse, it beats on two wheels. Just pause at a traffic light, and you’ll see them. Boda bodas swarming like bees, more than anyone can count. Fearless, familiar, always in motion, the boda boda is Uganda in motion. Some mornings, it becomes a school bus; other days, it ferries cows, goats or pigs to the butcher. It helps families move house, delivers meals from favorite restaurants, and takes on tasks no one else could imagine. There are no limits, no role too big, no task too small.
To celebrate six decades of Uganda Waragi, the brand partnered with a community that embodies Ugandan-ness, the boda boda riders, in partnership with Safe Boda. The choice is deeply symbolic. What could be more Ugandan than boda bodas? They are inseparable from Uganda’s rhythm, connecting people, livelihoods, and stories. They embody the same ingenuity, drive, and spirit that Uganda Waragi has championed for sixty years.
“We chose to celebrate with the boda boda community because they are integral to our way of life, a true reflection of Uganda’s spirit of creativity and hustle. Just like Uganda Waragi, they connect us; they move us; they are part of what binds us together as Ugandans. Our 60th anniversary is a milestone and a reaffirmation that we will always be The Spirit of Uganda,” said Hilda Aguti, Marketing Manager, Mainstream Spirits, Uganda Breweries Limited.
In Wandegeya, salon women chatted between braids and blow-dries, receiving surprise packages wrapped in joy, the master hands behind how Ugandans look and feel their best, though rarely recognized. Nearby, Sula Birungo, master of Kikalaayi Chicken, filled the air with that familiar, irresistible aroma, while Jib the rolex guy rolled up Uganda’s most loved street meal on a roadside pan, a classic that fits every craving: breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack on the go.
In Nakawa Market, food vendors paused mid-service to serve up their famous meere yoona dishes, the taste of home, a collective of uniquely Ugandan cuisines that fuel the nation’s spirit. Among them, Nalongo Kinene smiled proudly, an icon whose daily hustle keeps Uganda nourished.
On the streets, a boda boda rider and taxi driver received their gifts with laughter, the living heartbeat of Kampala’s daily rhythm. Across the city, icons like VJ Jingo, who brought global cinema to local audiences and turbocharged the entertainment scene also joined in the celebration.
By afternoon, the procession ends as all great Ugandan gatherings do—with a shared meal. Tables overflow with beloved staples: matooke, kinyebwa, yams, and beef in groundnut paste. The air is thick with the aroma from huge saucepans, laughter from every direction, and the sound of joy. Strangers become companions; stories are shared; the space feels smaller, warmer, closer, filled with the hospitality that defines who we are.
“For 60 years, Uganda Waragi has shared in our laughter and memories. This anniversary is our thank-you to every Ugandan who has made our spirit their own and that’s SO UG SO 60,” said Hillary Baguma, Brand Manager, Uganda Waragi.
Uganda Waragi’s story is one of heritage and heart. It began with generations of local gin-making, perfected in 1965 by 26 master blenders, crafting a spirit that would go on to be recognised globally for its distinct taste. Using pure waters from Lake Victoria and a unique blend of botanicals, they created a gin unlike any other in the world.
“For Uganda Waragi, this milestone is a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and innovation. For Uganda, it’s a tribute to our shared heritage, creativity, and craftsmanship, a testament to what it means to be proudly Ugandan,” says Edgar Kihumuro, Shopper Manager.
Today, Uganda Waragi continues to embody national pride and world-class craftsmanship. With over 28 international gold awards, including the prestigious Grand Gold from Monde Selection 2023, cementing its status as a premium, internationally competitive gin. From the classic Original to bold flavours like Coconut, Pineapple, and Lemon & Ginger, Uganda Waragi continues to reinvent itself while staying true to its roots.
This is only the beginning, the SO UG SO 60 anniversary will unfold across the year through vibrant and exciting experiences.
Uganda Waragi @ 60 is a celebration and a reflection of who we are. Bold yet humble. Creative yet grounded. Proud yet warm. From local bars to global stages, from family gatherings to flights aboard Uganda Airlines, it carries with it the unmistakable taste of home. It reminds us that the true Spirit of Uganda is lived every day in our hustle, our laughter, and our endless optimism.
So today, when we toast to 60 memorable years of a gin, it is a toast to us, to Uganda. Forever bold. Forever warm. Forever spirited.