HERITAGE OUTSPOKEN

Hola,

It’s been an eventful weekend, the highlights being the Uganda Rugby Cranes (the Africa Rugby Cup) and Isaiah Katumwa’s showdown of the jazz melodies along side industry maestros like Myko Ouma. Well, both events never disappointed especially owing to the fact that the Rugby Cranes survived relegation. Uganda may have not qualified for the Rugby World Cup, but a win is a win folks. Moving on, this forthcoming weekend has a couple of intriguing events you might want to…you know. Let’s get into it;

Are you a player in the Uganda film industry, enthusiast or consumer?

Then this event is tailored for you. The NGALABI SHORT FILM FESTIVAL is an event that creates a platform for upcoming film creatives to showcase their skills and talents in cinematography, share insights in presentations and workshops, as well as pitch to potential investors. The short film festival attracts talent from all over East Africa and Africa at large. The chance to become Africa’s James Bond or Steven Spielberg may have its genesis at this film festival; I, you and we dare not miss. Who knows, the next “Fast and Furious” franchise may kick start in Uganda. PS: Ignore the Potholes during production. 😉

I’ll be honest with y’all, this is a heritage type of weekend since there’s showcasing of Uganda’s culture and heritage through short films (Ngabai Film Festival) and now, the KANAMBU MEETING PLACE. Heritage in simple terms can be broken down to the cultural practices, norms and everything ethnic that is passed down from one generation to the next. At the KANAMBU MEETING PLACE, you’ll get a chance to witness the Batwa and Ukhebu communities showcase their ethnic dances, cultural practices and heritage artifacts. Did I mention that it also serves as the launch of the Art Archive, a virtual Museum for living heritage in Uganda. Yes, you heard right. Art lovers in Uganda ought to put this “Virtual Museum” experience in the books.

When we water down “experience” in the hospitality and leisure industry, it cuts across several aspects such as; food experience, accommodation, art or even mother nature experience (the wild). In this context, we weigh in on the mother nature experience, specifically the hiking realm. Standing at 12,037ft (3669m), Mt Sabyinyo is an extinct Volcano in the Virunga Mountains in Eastern Africa. Its summit marks the tri-boarder point where three international borders meet, thus Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Uganda. In each country, there are National Parks at the foot of the mountain; Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and Virunga National Park in DRC. Hiking difficulty is estimated to be relatively hard, henceforth, hiking fanatics would definitely love this one thanks to OUTDOORSY UGANDA.

Remember when I spoke about ‘experiences” in the hospitality and leisure industry (above), let’s deep our feet in the waters of the Art experience. In Uganda, Art comes in various forms and types; music, canvas paintings and sketches, sculptures, visual arts and also, Mosaic beadwork to mention a few. Art is believed to be an insight of the creative’s mind, whether visual, verbal or touch. The ART THERAPY opens doors to a whole unique art experience or what some would like to refer to as an Art-perience. When I mention “unique”, I’m referring to the Therapeutic Art sessions. I won’t lie, I’ve never been to one of those but I am definitely marking this weekend as a first-time experience. I mean, there’s a first time for everything. 😉

The saying goes, “Time and Tide wait for no man” so stop second guessing your decisions to spoil yourself a little bit. Go buy that shoe, that dress, that watch, go to the movies, attend that concert you’ve always wanted to or even that event you think will be too costly for your pockets. Experiences are built off memories created whether good or bad, their inevitable nature gives individuals the driving seat to the experience mobile. PS; Even introverts have their happy outdoor experiences. 🙂

Until next time, I remain…

Yours truly,

-ThiWordKnight-