As I stepped onto the lush grounds of Nile Nest Resort in Jinja, I could feel the excitement and energy of the Vumbula Uganda Festival. The 2024 edition, held from May 31 to June 3, 2024, was a celebration of Ugandan culture, music, art, and cuisine, and I was thrilled to be a part of it.
The festival was a sensory delight, with vibrant colours, rhythms, and flavours filling the air. I spent the three days immersing myself in the rich heritage of Uganda, from traditional dance performances to mouth-watering local delicacies and roasts.
One of the highlights of the festival was the showcasing of models in different attire and live music performances by Enzehd, a Karamojong musician, who entertained revellers by miming songs by different artists like Winnie Nwagi, Eddie Kenzo, and more. The crowd was electric, singing along to every song and dancing with reckless abandon.
I also had the opportunity to explore the art and craft exhibitions, showcasing the talents of local artists and artisans. The stalls offered a wide range of unique souvenirs, from handmade jewellery to intricate wood carvings.
Ohhhh, the cool breeze by the Nile River, where people stealthily swarm at the banks because security prohibits people from swimming in the river, was a thrill. The cruises that were permitted were an experience of a lifetime, even though I felt like the water was moving too fast.
In all this, what struck me most was the sense of community and unity that permeated the festival. Strangers became friends, bonding over shared experiences and cultural exchange. I made quite a number of friends who I have added to my social capital that we plan to go to for the next Vumbula Uganda edition.
As I left the festival on the final day, I felt grateful for the experience and already looked forward to next year’s edition. Vumbula Uganda 2024 was a testament to the beauty and diversity of Ugandan culture, and I felt honoured to have been a part of it.
The 2024 Vumbula Uganda Festival came to a close last week in Jinja after three days of celebrating the best of Ugandan art, music, culture, and cuisine. The event, which took place at Nile Nest Resort from May 31 to June 3, featured over 200 acts, cultural performances, tourism activities, art and craft exhibitions, and live band performances.
The festival, themed “Investing in the Green Legacy of the Nile,” also included a tree planting session on Friday, May 31, 2024, where 300 trees were planted in an effort to preserve the Nile River.
The Vumbula Uganda Festival is an annual event that celebrates Ugandan culture and heritage.