Ugandans in Rwanda mark Independence jubilee in style

IT was all black, yellow and red at Kigali Serena Hotel on Saturday night, as the Ugandan community in Rwanda, Rwandans and well-wishers celebrated Uganda’s 50 years of Independence.President Paul Kagame was the guest of honour at the lavish gala that saw the two countries come together to celebrate the excellent relations between them, which have existed for many years.President Kagame said that further efforts should be directed towards improving further the already flourishing friendship between the two countries.He said that the Ugandan community in Rwanda had earlier extended an invitation to him to come and join them in the celebrations but they hadn’t known that he would take the invitation seriously.As President Kagame and the host of the evening, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Richard Kabonero put it, the peoples from both countries have had strong ties since time immemorial and there is nothing whatsoever that can put them apart.“Whoever wants to turn Ugandans and Rwandans against each other will find it a futile attempt,” Kabonero said.The evening kicked off with a 30-minute documentary summarising Uganda’s history over the last 50 years---highlighting the ups and downs the East African country has endured; through bloody coups, political strife and the 1986 liberation struggle that ushered in socio-economic transformation.Guests were treated to a lavish 5-course dinner and an assortment of drinks. Indeed, the diverse guest list was a reflection of the relations Rwanda and Uganda have enjoyed over the years, as people from different walks of life mixed and mingled.The décor was set to reflect Uganda’s 50-year journey. Natumainy Choir, a traditional dance group from Uganda, led the guest to sing the national anthems of the two countries.The dance troupe also treated guests to breathtaking cultural and traditional dances from Uganda, ranging from Buganda’s ‘Amaguunju’ and ‘Kakitaali’ from Kigezi.But if anything, the evening belonged to Lillian Mbabazi and her band, the Sundowners. The Blu-3 member thrilled guests with exciting performances that got the Guest of Honour and Ambassador Kabonero leading their invitees to the dance floor.Lillian, as she is commonly known, and her band played out a flurry of hits – from her very own ‘Danger’, ‘Kawa’, ‘Vitamin’ and ‘Yegwe’ to Juliana Kanyomozi’s ‘Nabikoowa’. The singer/radio presenter then went through a series of hits she did with Blu-3 before shuffling in songs from her favourite artistes.From Goodlyfe’s ‘Nakudata’ to ‘Ngenda Kwekola Ekintu’ to Brenda Fassie’s ‘Vulindlela’, Lillian proved that she has mastered the art of performing live.The singer also presented Afrigo Band’s famous song ‘Jim’, to the delight of Jim and Susan Muhwezi, who were among the guests.Present were members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Rwanda, prominent businessman Ugandan Bob Kabonero, Vision Groups’ Robert Kabushenga, publisher James Tumusiime and businessman Mbundu Kananura, among others.Ministers and other top government officials were also present to celebrate with Ugandans in Rwanda. The night was crowned by mixes from DJ Focus that got everyone dancing through the wee hours of the morning.

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Ugandans in Rwanda mark Independence jubilee in style