With full bellies, we stroll through the neighbourhood’s narrow dirt paths, passing wooden houses where life spills out into the open. Bars seem to outnumber residents. Music blares, and friendly locals greet us as we wander past.
At the end of a path, a woman grinds something in a large pot—Malwa beer, Uganda’s signature drink. It’s nothing like Western beer; closer to porridge, it’s made from rice, maize or millet, sugar, and alcohol. The mixture is placed in a pot with hot water, and everyone drinks together using long bamboo straws.
We sit with Suzan and her friends on benches, a bubbling brown brew between us. Handed a bamboo straw, we take a sip of the warm, thick liquid. Thankfully, lunch has provided a solid foundation—Malwa beer is deceptively strong, though Suzan giggles, saying it’s a drink you can enjoy all day without feeling the effects.
Back at the workshop, we string our beads into bracelets or anklets of our choice. With full stomachs and a handmade memento, we bid farewell to Suzan and wave enthusiastically as we hop back on our motorbike taxi—a fantastic addition to our city tour!
Looking for cargo trousers, funky shades, or bucket hats at Uganda’s largest market? Keen to pick up fresh ingredients at the farmers’ market and learn how to cook local dishes? Want to sample Kampala’s craft beers or take a sunset boat ride on Lake Victoria? With us, you’ll uncover every corner of our favourite city, including a charming hilltop house where colourful paper beads are made and Uganda’s iconic beer is waiting to be tasted!
