As Uganda edges closer to its general elections, an unusual stage performance is promising to spark national reflection on how voters choose their leaders.
The play “Oluwombo Lw’Omulonzi” will take place on the 23rd of this month at Collin Hotel, Mukono — and its mission goes beyond entertainment.
Fred Katumba, Director of FK Promotions, says the inspiration for the production came after witnessing widespread misinformation about the roles and responsibilities of leaders.
“Too often, people vote out of ignorance or simply follow the bandwagon, sending individuals into offices they are not meant to occupy,” Katumba explains.
According to him, the play will unpack the truths and lies behind political campaigns, highlighting how such narratives affect community development.
One of its themes will be the persistent confusion among voters about the duties of legislators, local government leaders, and cabinet ministers — a misunderstanding that politicians often exploit.
The head of mobilization at FK, Tonny Evans Ngabo says “Oluwombo Lw’Omulonzi” will leave no political camp untouched.
“We are touching all competitors in various political parties. This is community support to the Electoral Commission’s civic education work, ensuring people make informed choices,” Ngabo notes.
The production has also attracted strong support from civic activists and political figures.
Allan Mawanda, Secretary for Post-Conflict and Reconstruction at Democrat Front, says the play is both a tool for promoting electoral engagement and a platform for nurturing local talent.
“In Luganda, ‘Oluwombo’ is a special meal. We expect a special serving that day — one that will deal with the politics of deception. I am mobilising Mukono residents to turn up,” Mawanda says, adding that he has already purchased 20 tickets to support the show.
Mawanda laments that it is becoming common for voters to elect leaders who never speak on the floor of parliament or lobby for their communities, a trend he hopes the play will help reverse.
Sheila Amanio Dravile, a contender for the NUP District Woman MP flag, has also backed the initiative.
She says the arts are a powerful medium for breaking down complex information for grassroots audiences, especially in the absence of structured government-led civic education.
“This has come at a time when the government has failed to organise civic education ahead of the elections. To support this cause, I’ve bought a table of ten,” Amanio says.
With humour, drama, and truth-telling promised on stage, “Oluwombo Lw’Omulonzi” could be the civic education session Ugandans didn’t know they needed — served with a side of culture and creativity.
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