Kaynela: The new entertainment hub

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On December 8, 2024, Kaynela Farm became the beating heart of an unforgettable family gathering, where guests momentarily left behind their strict diets to savour a day filled with fun, food, and culture.

Fingers snapped, feet tapped and voices harmonised to the rhythm of traditional music during the second chapter of the Food Carnival in Kayunga district. The air was rich with the irresistible aromas of roasting goat meat, chicken and Luwombo nearing perfection.

For city dwellers, the day offered a perfect escape to the countryside, where they rode quad bikes, camels and horses, embracing a much-needed break from the hustle of urban life. Many visitors had their first encounter with ostriches, their surprise evident as they marvelled at the towering birds. Ebony-black chickens intrigued onlookers, sparking curiosity about whether they laid black eggs.

Children were entranced by the monitor lizards, whose skins are traditionally used to craft the iconic engalabi drums of Buganda. Photographers gathered around exotic birds imported from across the globe, vying for the perfect shot of the vibrantly feathered creatures.

Children and adults make merry at Kayina Farm during the Food Festival. (Photo by Titus Kakembo).

By lunchtime, guests were treated to wooden plates heaped with a variety of dishes from all corners of Uganda, including Pilao, mashed bananas, Luwombo, eshabwe, smoked meat in groundnut stew, and a selection of fresh vegetables. For drinks, Omubisi and Obushera competed with bottled beers stiffly. The spread was nothing short of royal.

“This is the only family event in Uganda where guests come dressed to impress, and the performers follow suit with music, dance, and drama,” remarked guest John Lumu. “And to quench your thirst, banana juice—prepared the same way it was 500 years ago—was available on the shelves.”

The event sparked a lively discussion about Ugandans abandoning their ancestral ways in favor of foreign lifestyles.

“Diseases like cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity are on the rise due to eating farmed chicken, relying on Boda Bodas instead of walking, and dancing by squeezing rather than spinning the waist to work up a good sweat,” Lumu pointed out.

Lilly Ajarova, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, assured citizens that events like the Food Carnival are part of the broader MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) movement, which is set to propel the economy to $500m (sh1.828 trillion) by 2050.

“Culture and food have been added to the list of tourism attractions we’re promoting,” Ajarova noted. “The Food Carnival joins events like the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, Nyege Nyege, and Big Birding Day, all contributing to Uganda’s rise in MICE hosting rankings from seventh to fifth on the continent.”

She encouraged those in the tourism sector to go beyond conventional attractions and offer guests unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

“Today’s responsible tourist wants to make an impact during their visit—whether that’s through volunteering, planting trees, teaching, or offering medical assistance. It’s about leaving a positive mark on the local community.”

After an experiential village life day, one can have a break in the neatly grass-thatched suits or a tent. The proprietor Peace Kayesu beams with satisfaction saying Karibu (you are welcome) is the reception everybody gets at Kaynela.

“This being a festive season, Kaynela is ideal for a break from the urban fast life. Honey mooners, those proposing, office retreat or stocking the embers of their relationships,” sums up Kayesu. “There are folk stories that will thrill anybody with a love for literature.”

Located 115 km away from Kampala City, Kayesu is accessible by road from Kampala City and Jinja City.