blogaruth Culture, Traveling in Uganda

Savoring Kampala

The range of food in Kampala is dazzling — virtually every African country is represented and many other countries as well — from India and Thailand to China, Mexico, Nigeria, France…and many more.

For this multi-day indulgence in Kampala’s best we chose 4 of its finest restaurants: Ethiopian Villages; Bight of Benin; St Anthony and The Lawns.

We brought along our 4 year old son, Mukisa, as he has the appetite of a rhino, although he’s got nicer feet.

The first night, at the Lawns, he chose crocodile and he gobbled it down just like a croc. He is definitely not a picky eater. Other nights he tried the ostrich, the cape buffalo, and the impala.

Like me, he enjoys the atmosphere of The Lawns — big trees adjacent to the golf course, lush flowers, and water everywhere.

The next night we tried Ethiopian Village. “Is that a chapati?” Muki asked. “It is not,” I replied. “It is a very large piece of bread. It’s called injera. And it is the largest disc of bread you’re ever likely to encounter.”

At St. Anthony’s we had luwombo, muchomo and various other Ugandan delicies. Muki ate them without discrimination, and with many appreciative sounds.

The final night, at Bight of Benin, we inhaled many wonderful Ghanian treats.

But the eating doesn’t stop when you leave the restaurant or cafe. The Kampala street food scene is designed to indulge, and indulge it does. The offerings are delicious and varied — vendors will serve large slices of watermelon, mango, pineapple, passion fruit, bananas and any other tropical delicacies you may dream of.

Continuing your eating pleasure as you stroll, you can select from an array of samosas (deep-fried pastry triangles filled with mixtures of meat and vegetables); chapatis; rolex (fried chapatis rolled with eggs, tomato and cabbage — among other variations); pork, goat and beef sausage; beef, pork and goat ribs; smoked tilapia; fried cassava; rice, beans and matooke; BBQ perch; and, Muki’s favorite, fried grasshoppers.

There is plenty of beer on offer, as well as wine, waragi, whisky and more. For children, there are many excellent fresh fruit juices, such as watermelon, orange, pineapple, apple, and numerous blends.

As part of your Kampala visit we can plan a focused food tour of the city’s wonderful first class eateries. You will not be disappointed!

The Lawns — https://thelawns.co.ug/

Bight of Benin — https://www.bightofbeninrestaurant.com/

St. Anthony — https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293841-d4889585-

Ethiopian Village — https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293841-d2101899-Reviews-Ethiopian_Village-Kampala_Central_Region.html

blogaruth COVID-19, Culture, Current Affairs

Hope

In this fight against the Covid-19 pandemic the tourism sector will struggle a bit, but I know this will come under control soon.

As the CEO of Engo Tours, this lockdown in Uganda has really changed my life. I have come to learn a lot about blogging, which I would not have had the time to do under normal circumstances.

I like that our President, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has been very hopeful and believes that the economy isn’t going to collapse. I strongly side with his Excellency on this issue.

I believe that once we Ugandans realize that we are better off than we think, we shall thrive. We have a lot of small and medium enterprises with very intelligent, talented entrepreneurs and inventors. Uganda as a whole has a lot of talent that will help us if we can stop looking for help from outside. This is the time to rise!

I know these are tough times but I have a very strong feeling that this period of quarantine is going to yield a lot of success for everyone. I’m very optimistic! I know something good is going to come out of this.

I’m proud that our President has taken strong action, and grateful to the health sector, the police department, and to the media service. Thank you very much for keeping us safe. I’m so proud to be Ugandan.

I’m inviting all comments on this post while I share my view about my hope for Uganda tourism to thrive even more.

blogaruth Culture, History

Tribes in Uganda

Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, is a very interesting, must visit country. It is very rich with a lot of different, amazing flora and fauna. Uganda has over 56 tribes, each with unique cultural values, cuisines, beliefs, dances, etc. Uganda is known for its healthy foods, and hospitality in Uganda is key.