A unique kind of excitement takes over when a quiz night begins. It is not the roaring atmosphere of a football match or a concert, but a quieter energy that draws people together. Teammates lean in, debates emerge before questions are fully read, and confidence quickly turns into friendly disagreement.
That atmosphere was on full display on Tuesday evening at Tehila Café and Grill, where quiz enthusiasts gathered for another Black & White-powered Quiz Night. The event is part of a series that has steadily become a fixture on Kampala's social scene through regular activations.
What began as a simple trivia contest has evolved into a popular social gathering. Across the city, quiz nights are attracting young professionals, groups of friends, couples and colleagues looking for an alternative way to spend an evening.
In a city where many nights revolve around football screenings, long commutes and casual drinks, quizzes have created a space where conversation takes centre stage.
The attraction is straightforward. Participants enjoy testing their knowledge, debating answers and often discovering that the quietest person at the table knows exactly what everyone else is struggling to remember.
At Tehila Café, host Davis Kamanyire, commonly known as Uncle Davis, led teams through several rounds covering history, current affairs, science, entertainment and general knowledge. With the event taking place on the eve of Martyrs' Day, the opening round focused entirely on the Uganda Martyrs, their lives, faith and sacrifice.
Between rounds, conversations flowed freely. Colleagues became teammates, friends challenged one another's certainty and tables erupted in celebration after correct answers. Wrong answers often produced even louder laughter. Music filled the breaks, drinks continued to flow and the competition remained friendly throughout the night.
The event was sponsored by Black & White Scotch Whisky, whose "Better Together" theme reflected the spirit of the evening. While only one team emerged victorious, the night centred on teamwork, shared experiences and social connection.
"This is exactly what a night out should feel like, you come in as yourself and leave feeling like you belong somewhere," said Raymond Karama, Black & White Brand Manager, Uganda. "Black & White has always been about shared experiences, and quiz nights have become a great example of that."
The growing popularity of quiz nights may lie in that sense of connection. While prizes and bragging rights provide motivation, many participants return for something deeper, an opportunity to put their phones aside, collaborate with others and enjoy a few hours of meaningful interaction.