It’s been a while but the fun and the talk of town is that Uganda’s most popular social events, the Goat Races, is back as the organizers have announced.
The event, which was once famed as one of the most anticipated events on Uganda’s social calendar returns to Kampala after a six-year break.
At an official announcement made Friday, July 13 at the Speke Apartments in Kampala, the organisers confirmed the long wait is over as the ultimate fun show in Uganda will be happening on Saturday, August 25, 2018.
The Goat Race was last held in 2012. This year, it will be hosted at its customary venue of Speke Resort, Munyonyo, and is powered by Tusker Malt. It promises to recreate one of the most eagerly awaited weekends of merrymaking and extravagant fashion, which were the hallmarks of the Goat Races for years.
“The Goat Races were easily the most popular event on Uganda’s social calendar for all the time they were held, so we wanted to bring that amazing experience back with fun-filled activities everyone can participate in,” said Sheena Ruparelia, the event coordinator, at the relaunch press conference.
“Our focus is on the races and activities around that, but there will be hospitality tents available, a food court with up to 10 types of cuisines; a beer garden, cocktail and champagne bars, sport games, silent disco areas, and chill-out lounges,” she added.
“We are excited about the return of the Goat Races, which we consider the social event any fun-loving person would look forward to the most in Uganda,” said Grace Namutebi, Brand Manager, Premium Beers at Uganda Breweries.
“We jumped at the opportunity to partner with the Goat Races because no fun event of this kind is complete without Tusker Malt. We want guys to really make the most of it,” she added
The goat races will entail six races over the course of the day, with each race featuring 10 goats. Anyone can sponsor a race or buy a goat to participate in a race. The proceeds generated from the races will then go to a selected charity.
Away from the goats racing, the event boasts a rich traditional as the most exuberant unofficial fashion showcase in Uganda, and the organisers expect no different this year. Kampala’s fun seekers will certainly oblige them.
Tickets to the Goat Races will go for Shs50,000, with early bird offers, and special discount days also planned, where one can get a ticket for as low as Shs30,000.
Continuing with their social responsibility tradition, the goat races will once again give back to society, with Totos Tag Rugby and Outreach programme being this year’s beneficiaries. Under the programme 250 children train at the Kyadondo Rugby Club every weekend.
Toto’s Tag Rugby has been instrumental in rugby development in the country. Five of the national Rugby Cranes players representing Uganda at the Rugby 7s World Cup in San Francisco were nurtured by the programme.