Hilary Okello’s Uganda Must Laugh delivers

Last Friday, the National Theatre roared with laughter as comedy lovers packed the auditorium for the Uganda Must Laugh show, the second edition of comedian Dr Hilary Okello’s stand-up special.

Okello, also a medical doctor, has carved a unique space for himself as one of the most intelligent voices on Uganda’s English comedy circuit.

Known for his smart, witty, and often satirical takes on Ugandan life,Okello once again proved he’s not just funny, he is brilliant.

Dr.Hillary Okello had all their teeth out. Photo by Ignatius Kamya

Ahead of the show, the comedian took to his social media to warn fans that tickets were sold out and that was no bluff. By 6pm, the theatre was already full to capacity. Those who arrived late found themselves watching from the corridors, while others expressed frustration outside.

"How can I stand when I paid for my ticket?" one fan was overheard complaining. Crafty show-organisers these were. For they seemed to have sold more tickets than the seats available, and that was the tragic party of the comedy show.

The Jokes
One of the standout bits of the night revolved around Uganda’s infamous EPS tickets. “Customer care people are always calm,” Okello joked, “but the day they hired a northerner things changed. The call went like, ‘You have unpaid tickets, and we are coming for you!’”

Dr.Hillary Okello had all their teeth out. Photo by Ignatius Kamya

The crowd burst into laughter. He continued with a mock scenario where the caller reaches Bobi Wine. “You have outstanding EPS tickets,” the caller barks. “But Bobi replies, ‘I’m fighting for Ugandans, not EPS.’”

Then came President Museveni. “The guy called Museveni not knowing it was him and said, ‘You have 50 billion in tickets.’ But once he checked the NIN and saw it was Yoweri, he changed his tone completely. ‘Sorry sir, we’re transferring the tickets to Joel Ssenyonyi.”

The satirical spin on politics and bureaucracy had the audience in stitches. His comedy, though delivered with a smile, often dances right on the edge of commentary, drawing laughs while prompting reflection.

The show ended right on the dot at 10pm, with Hilary walking off stage to a thunderous standing ovation.

The future
“With this second edition now cemented as a massive success, it’s clear that Uganda Must Laugh is not just a comedy show it’s a movement,” Dr Hilary Okello said after the show.

“It’s not just making people laugh. I am giving English stand-up comedy in Uganda a powerful and entertaining voice,” he added.