The conversation got personal and at times uncomfortable on Friday night as Gilbey’s Hangouts returned to Old Tymerz Ntinda for its fourth edition, once again proving that Ugandans are craving real conversations just as much as they are looking for a place to unwind after long work weeks.
After a busy week dominated by political twists and turns, revellers turned up searching for a social escape where they could simply relax and have a conversation. Gilbey’s Hangouts delivered exactly that.
In-house DJs kept people entertained with a nostalgic mix of timeless classics and early 2000s East African hits. A standout moment came when ‘You To Me Are Everything,’ the 1976 soul classic by The Real Thing, sparked sing-alongs and instant recognition from the crowd. The set also featured popular hits from Ogopa Deejays, bringing back familiar sounds that many revellers grew up with.
Host Ronnie McVex once again guided the night’s conversations with his usual humour and relatable style, warming up revellers through trivia sessions and audience interactions that tested how informed people were about trending topics and current affairs.
From politics and entertainment gossip to recent national conversations surrounding the swearing in of political leaders, he playfully challenged the attendees to keep up with what is happening around them.
Ronnie also guided guests on different ways of enjoying Gilbey’s cocktails, adding an interactive touch to the overall experience while helping first-timers settle comfortably into the evening’s vibe.
However, beyond the music and drinks, the real highlight of the evening came from the night’s main conversation topic, which immediately sent the crowd into a heated conversation.
The discussion centred around relationships and whether people should publicly show off or introduce their side partners while already in committed relationships. What started as a playful conversation quickly turned into one of the most animated conversations of the night.
Some male attendees argued that introducing side partners publicly only creates unnecessary drama and confusion, while others insisted that honesty is important regardless of the situation.
Several women in attendance strongly disagreed with men who try to normalise such behaviour, arguing that people should take responsibility for the emotional consequences that come with complicated relationships.
One lady boldly stated that, “if someone knowingly accepts being a side partner, they should also be prepared for situations not always ending in their favour.” But many ladies in the crowd pushed back immediately, insisting women should not automatically carry blame when relationships become messy.
Despite the intensity of some opinions, the atmosphere remained relaxed, entertaining and engaging throughout the night, exactly the kind of environment Gilbey’s Hangouts continues to build through its Made for Real Moments campaign.
As the night progressed, revellers walked away with various Gilbey’s giveaways, including branded bucket hats, hoodies and T-shirts.
Gilbey’s Brand Manager, Raymond Karama, said the continued success of the hangouts shows how much people value spaces where they can openly connect and express themselves without pressure.
“People today are constantly busy and distracted, yet everyone still craves genuine interaction and a sense of belonging. Gilbey’s Hangouts continues to create an atmosphere where people can meet, unwind, laugh, debate real topics and enjoy authentic moments together in a very natural way,” he said.