Entertainment
Kwegonza Avenue 2025: A Cultural Explosion of Bunyoro-Tooro Pride and Unity
The sun blazed above, but it was the warmth of culture, music, and unity that truly lit up the UMA Showgrounds on Saturday as Kwegonza Avenue 2025 delivered a breathtaking celebration of Bunyoro and Tooro heritage.
From the moment guests arrived, the energy was infectious. Revellers were greeted with complimentary Pilsner King bottles and ushered onto a red carpet and photo booth experience that set a jubilant tone for the day. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as cultures merged, friendships were rekindled, and history danced into the present.
The heart of the event beat strongest at the Cultural Village—an intricately crafted reed structure that transported visitors into the authentic soul of Western Uganda. Rhythmic drums summoned the Nsiime Cultural Troupe who captivated audiences with their vibrant Amakondere and Olunyege dances. As the troupe danced, a wave of participation swept through the crowd with dancing trains forming spontaneously, weaving through the grounds in a beautiful display of cultural unity.
Pilsner Lager, a key sponsor of the event, reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Uganda’s diverse cultures. Speaking at the event, Peter Ekwang, Pilsner’s representative, remarked, “Over the years, Pilsner Lager has celebrated Uganda’s cultural fabric by supporting events that embody heritage, unity and community spirit, like Kwegonza Avenue. Four years into this partnership, we’re proud to see it continuously growing and honouring the beloved traditions of Bunyoro and Tooro.”
The grounds were alive with traditional delicacies—beer, busheera, and regional cuisine flowed freely at food courts and tasting stations, turning the event into a sensory celebration.
Leonard B. Araali, co-founder of Kwegonza Avenue, praised the overwhelming turnout and spoke passionately about the vision behind the event. “We want to keep traditions alive while making them relevant to our people today,” he said. “It’s energising to have the people and partners like Pilsner supporting this vision as we continue bridging generations.”
As twilight set in, the main stage lit up with high-energy performances. Genee opened the night with a soul-stirring live rendition of “Akiiki,” prompting a crowd-wide sing-along that set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The regional music lineup kept the tempo high—Westsyd Trap Squad brought hip-hop heat, Big Doug thrilled fans with local anthems, and a host of rising stars from Hoima, Masindi, Fort Portal, Kamwenge, and Bundibugyo showcased the region’s dynamic talent.
The night crescendoed with a powerful performance by gospel hitmaker Levixone, who took his fans on a spiritual high and then joined them offstage for an intimate serenade that left many moved. DJ Bankrobber closed the night with an electrifying mix, keeping the crowd on their feet well into the late hours.
Kwegonza Avenue 2025 wasn’t just an event—it was an affirmation of cultural pride, togetherness, and the evolving story of Bunyoro and Tooro heritage. With record attendance, flawless organisation, and heartfelt performances, the celebration has set the bar even higher for what’s to come.
As the lights dimmed and the music faded, one thing was certain—culture is not just remembered at Kwegonza Avenue. It is felt, lived, and danced into the future.
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