Our Uganda Friday: Art, Music, Food, Culture and Shopping!

by Darlyne Komukama

This weekend is looking to be a very exciting one, choke full of events catered to appeal across the board.

Starting tomorrow, Saturday 26th March 2011, opening at 10am and going on until 4pm, with an Art Exhibition at the Tulifanya Art Gallery. Wasswa Donald, the celebrated Ugandan artist whose previous work has been heavily centred around Elephants. 'I Speak Elephanish' continues that theme. The exhibition goes on until 30th April so if you can't make it tomorrow for the opening, you can still catch it through the next month.



The Bayimba Festival of the Arts is, this year, taking their cultural tour de force around the country before the main show in Kampala in September. They will be in Jinja on Saturday 26th March 2011 from Midday at the Main Street Primary School. There will be performances from Jinja's best Jazz Bands, Cultural Troupes and the Street Theater participants, Youth and Hip Hop Participants, Visual Artists and Fashion Exhibitions. The special guest artist will be Jinja's own Rachel Magoola.




Entry is free to Sunday's Brunch and Jazz at Emin Pasha Hotel on 27th March 2011. The jazz brunch starts at midday.



Every year the Nsambya Estate by the American Embassy has a sale of epic proportions. The sale this year starts on Sunday 26th March and runs until 10th April 2011.


With such a smorgasbord of activity, it should not be hard for you to find something to do this weekend. Have fun!

Our Uganda Friday: Pay it forward and catch a ballet.

by Darlyne Komukama

The Pay It Forward Foundation Uganda is a non profit organisation whose vision is to create a kinder and more humane world by teaching the idea of performing random acts of genuine kindness. PIFF, as it is more commonly known, is holding their Annual General Meeting on Saturday 19th March, 2011 starting at 4pm which is to be followed by a fundraising gala at Ache Havana in the Centenary Park.



Entrance is free for all. If you are in town, come on down and lend a helping hand and support the cause.

The Uganda National Contemporary Ballet was started in 2007 by the acclaimed choreographer Valerie Miquel and since then they have been addressing the Ugandan condition through dance. Catch them on Sunday 20th March at 6pm at the National Theatre where they will showcase two new pieces, 'Out of Control' and 'Fusion Power'.



Looks like we Kampalans have a busy weekend ahead of us. See you out there.

Our Uganda Friday: Francophone Film Festival

by Darlyne Komukama

The International Women's Day event at Emin Pasha sponsored by Alliance Francaise in Kampala was a lot of fun and while there Alliance Francaise let us know about another great event they have on this weekend (12th and 13th March) at the Cineplex Cinema.



The film festival is entirely free and will be going on the whole weekend showing films in French made all over the French-speaking world. There is a film from Congo, Belgium, Canada and France. Have a look through the programme below.

Programme

Saturday:

4:30PM – L’iIe de Black Mór by Jean-François Laguionie (French children’s movie)

7PM – Formidable by Dominique Standaert (Belgian comedy)

9PM – La Petite Jérusalem by Karin Albou (French drama)

Sunday:

4:30 PM Mamu et Tatu (Comedy from Democratic Republic of Congo, no subtitles)

7 PM Les Triplettes de Belleville by Sylvain Chomet (Canadian-French-Belgian animated film)

Happy Viewing! See you there.

Celebrating Women: 50% off our ENTIRE online stock & Free Gift!

Our Uganda Friday: International Women's Day~Kampala

by Darlyne Komukama

Tuesday 8th March is International Women's Day, a day that Awava is passionate about. And this year, we get to celebrate it with many other women in Uganda at the bouquet hotel, Emin Pasha.



International Women's Day - Celebrating 100 years will start at 9.00am with Afrikan Yoga and continues with an art exhibition of women artists. Our very own, Kate von Achen will talk about women in business. There will be music and poetry by women and a chance for some socially conscious fair trade purchases. If you're going to be in Kampala, make sure to come check it out. Did I forget to say the entrance is free?

Programme:

9-11am "Celebrating Feminine Energy" with Ife Piankhi: explore feminine yoga postures, womb meditation and creation. Space is limited so please RSVP with Ife at this number: 0702279319 or email ife312003@yahoo.co.uk. Wear loose clothing!

10am Opening of art, sculpture and photographic exhibition on women by women. Sponsors information points open for consultation. Freedom of information with representatives from major service providers offering products tailor made for women.

10.30am –12.30pm Forum for presentation, discussion and debate on proposed topics:
(Light refreshments provided during forum)
.
“counting on women” how accessible is financial literacy for women? What opportunities exist for women to reach executives positions in business? What are the obstacles facing Ugandan women entrepreneurs? Educational opportunities to empower the female population now and for the future.
-Kate von Achen of Awava speaking on women in business

“Strength of a woman” Health and wellbeing, reproductive healthcare availability and standards in Uganda, domestic violence and the legal ramifications of the current domestic relations law .

“Nation Builders” Examples of courage and resilience in raising families throughout the political and social difficulties of Uganda over the past 50years. Examples of women in challenging careers with regard to the social and cultural atmosphere of Uganda.

Lunch break: Ladies light lunch menu available at The Emin Pasha Hotel

2pm onwards: Entertainment
● Live music from a selection of female artists
● Poetry and performance by women about women
● Shopping opportunities provided at The Duuka (Shop at the Emin Pasha)
● A taste of whats available from some of Uganda’s promising women stylists and young fashion designers
● Food for thought with tea and treats available.

6pm Sundowners with signature centenary cocktails to mark the celebration

6.30pm closure with short film: In someone else’s shoes taking a look at women’s lives through film