Kasule Douglas Benda
On Friday, 5th September, I had the privilege of attending the premiere of Eddungu Lya Musa, a powerful theatrical production staged by Artmarshals at Bat Valley Theatre. My wife (Nalongo) and I arrived separately, and as Kampala’s Friday evening traffic delayed me, she patiently waited at the venue. By the time I arrived, just minutes to showtime, the challenges were already visible, power was out, forcing the organisers to rely on a noisy generator, and the audience turnout at that moment looked worryingly low.
After nearly 30 minutes outside and another 20 inside the auditorium, the curtains finally opened at 8pm. Despite the slow start and empty seats at the beginning, what unfolded on stage was bold, thought-provoking, and visually striking.
The set immediately captured attention, an actual desert recreated on stage, with the entire floor filled with sand. The effect worked brilliantly in immersing the audience in the play’s world, though it raised safety concerns as sand occasionally flew toward the front-row audience during intense fight scenes.
‘Eddungu Lya Musa’ is a politically provocative narrative. The play’s symbolic storytelling evoked strong reflections on power, corruption, and governance. At moments, the tension was so high I couldn’t help but glance toward the entrance, half-expecting authorities to walk in and interrupt.
The plot follows Musa, portrayed convincingly by Yunusu Sseruwooza, who is brought into a desert township to manage its affairs. Instead of serving the people, he manipulates the system for his own benefit, exploits the community, imprisons his benefactor, and rules with terror. His refusal to relinquish power leads to a tragic downfall, Musa’s death.
One of the most refreshing aspects of the evening was the audience’s lively engagement with the story. The narrative was accessible, free of overly complex theatrical techniques, which allowed viewers to easily connect with the characters and themes.
The cast featured several fresh faces, many of whom impressed with their performances. While a few struggled with vocal projection and breath control, some losing their voices after shouting in early scenes but the overall teamwork and collaboration were evident.
The evening ended on a triumphant note. Though the auditorium looked sparse at first, within 30 minutes the seats were filled, and by the middle of the show, Bat Valley Theatre was a full house. For me, this was particularly satisfying since I had been part of the marketing team for the production.
Eddungu Lya Musa is a daring, symbolic play that blends strong political commentary with engaging storytelling. The Artmarshals, led by CEO Male Ronald and Aaliyah Nabakooza, deserve commendation for pulling off such a production against all odds.
Congratulations to the cast and crew for an impactful premiere, one that not only entertained but also challenged audiences to reflect on the nature of power and leadership.
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