Kampala never runs short of Sunday hangouts, but few strike the balance between good food, music, and relaxed fun quite like Barbeque, Beats and Belly Laughs.
The latest edition returned with fresh energy, transforming a parking lot on Acacia Avenue into a stylish blue outdoor lounge where grilled meat, easy vibes, and good company blended effortlessly.
Hosted by corporate executive turned grill enthusiast Tony Otoa, the evening carried the warmth of a backyard gathering, with music, conversations, and endless servings of meat flowing naturally.
The only pauses came when comedian Okello Okello, who served as MC, stepped in for brief announcements.
Otoa, a self-taught roaster and the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at the Uganda National Oil Company, presided over the grill with confidence.
He served flame-kissed cuts and hearty barbeque favourites that kept plates full and guests satisfied.
His philosophy is simple: feed people well, and keep feeding them until they give in. On this occasion, he stayed true to his word. Many guests underestimated his commitment, and the sheer volume of meat soon proved overwhelming for some.
Yet the real secret to keeping up was right in front of them. When the generous steaks were paired with a neat serving of The Singleton, guests found themselves ready for a second or even third plate. By the time most realised it, their plates had already beaten them.
With his Comrade Grills team, Otoa mainly served chicken, goat’s meat, and pork. The chicken drew the biggest crowd, with waiters constantly encouraging guests to clear their plates and always standing by to offer more.
A dedicated cocktail bar introduced guests to their first drink of the evening before they explored the wider menu.
Still, it was Otoa’s roasting technique that impressed the most. Whether light cuts or rich, slow-cooked portions, the meat was so tender it came apart without effort. No wonder diners began whispering theories over the tables.
“Do you think this was first boiled? It is so soft to simply be a roast,” one guest wondered.
Brand Manager Simon Lapyem captured the pairing perfectly, calling the experience “a celebration of the art of taste,” skilfully brought together through refined whisky moments woven into the evening’s relaxed atmosphere.
Music from Kampala favourites Sese Nation set the tone, guiding guests from mellow sunset grooves to energetic dance-floor moments. Their sound created a flow as smooth as the whisky and as warm as the cheerful glow across the crowd. Laughter, open conversation, and spontaneous jokes tied it all together, giving the gathering an intimate and distinctly Kampala feel.
In the end, Barbeque, Beats and Belly Laughs delivered a refreshed blend of taste, music, and connection.
The evening felt richer, smoother, and more immersive than previous editions. For a city that thrives on good meat, good music, and meeting up simply because it can, Sunday night in Kololo proved just how satisfying simplicity can be when done exceptionally well.
