In Uganda’s corporate landscape, a visible sense of excitement fills the air as the week draws to a close. Fridays have become a highly anticipated day, a time for office employees to unwind, socialize, and bid farewell to the workweek’s stresses. But what drives this collective enthusiasm? What are the reasons behind the Friday fever that grips Uganda’s office employees?
According to Susan Namara ,an employee with an insurance company, Friday marks the beginning of a well-deserved break. Employees eagerly look forward to leaving the confines of their workstations behind, embracing the freedom to relax, recharge, and pursue personal interests. The promise of a weekend getaway, whether to the countryside, a favorite hangout spot, or a simple night in, is a powerful draw.
” Wow , how we always look forward to Fridays . The week is always stressful with targets to be met , reports to be submitted everyday and sitting on one’s computer from morning to evening. Some of us are confined to an office chair for over 8 hours. This is so chocking . But when it comes to a Friday , I am excited to finally get a breather . I always hang out with friends on Friday evenings so that on Saturday, I can either stay home resting or have a get away in a quiet place till Sunday evening. This re-energises me for yet another week at work ,” Namara said.
Kampala transforms into a vibrant hub of activity on Friday evenings. Employees flock to popular hotspots, enjoying live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks. The city’s infectious energy is a magnet, drawing people together to unwind and celebrate the end of the workweek. This always gives people time to share business ideas and information that helps in building up their companies for the weeks ahead.
While on phone with Samuel Akureje a loan’s recovery officer at a money lending company in Bukoto, a Kampala surburb , he said that Fridays often coincide with social events, such as team-building activities, office parties, or after-work gatherings.
” Normally on Fridays , our boss prepares meet ups away from work . These events foster camaraderie, providing opportunities for colleagues to bond over shared experiences, laughter, and memories. The prospect of letting loose and having fun with coworkers creates a sense of excitement and togetherness, ” Akureje said.
Friday evenings are also synonymous with sports, particularly football (soccer). Many office employees are devoted fans, gathering to watch matches, share predictions, and engage in friendly banter.
According to Olivia Byenkya , a psychologist in Mbale City , Fridays offer a mental relief to employees looking forward to being away from their desks , deadlines , targets and all the stress that comes with the workload throughout the week. This mentally prepares them to a brand new week ahead after feeling re-energised and refreshed from the weekend.
” Let’s not underestimate the psychological impact of Fridays. The approaching weekend offers a mental reprieve, a chance to temporarily forget about deadlines, targets, and work-related pressures. Employees feel a sense of accomplishment, having navigated another week, and look forward to a fresh start on Monday,” Byenkya said.
The Friday fever in Uganda’s offices is a multifaceted phenomenon, driven by a combination of factors. As the week draws to a close, employees eagerly anticipate the freedom, socialization, and entertainment that Fridays bring leading to phrases like , “Ebisigadde bya very very early on Monday Morning. “
This collective enthusiasm is a testament to the importance of work-life balance, fellowship, and the human need for relaxation and enjoyment.
