Inside the Mugaba Ankole Palace where the Emiyenje Beer Festival is set to take place. PHOTO BY JULIUS BYAMUKAMA
Tourism enthusiasts are gearing up for a two-day cultural event dubbed the Emiyenje Beer Festival, set to take place on Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the historic Mugaba Ankole Kingdom Palace in Kamukuzi, Mbarara City.
According to Mr Edmand Aryampika, founder of Destination Ankole and lead organiser, the festival aims to promote Ankole cattle tourism and celebrate over 700 years of beer-making traditions in the region. The term Emiyenje refers to a group of Mayenje cows, a prized breed in the Ankole cattle heritage.
“This festival will showcase the most beautiful Ankole cows, tell stories about their significance, and offer beer and wine exhibitions alongside music and entertainment,” said Mr Aryampika. “It will also create employment opportunities for youth and support local business growth within the Mbarara community.”
This inaugural edition of the Emiyenje Beer Festival will feature performances by a star-studded lineup, including Dr Jose Chameleone, MC Kats, DJ Shiru, T. Paul, Suuna Ben, Laika Music, and traditional cultural troupes.
Asked about the choice of venue, Mr. Aryampika emphasized the symbolic importance of the palace:
“The Mugaba Palace is the cradle of Ankole cow heritage. It is culturally fitting, since beer has historically been served to guests in African royal settings, a tradition that continues even today.”
The Resident City Commissioner for Mbarara City South, Mr. Robert Kanusu, praised the initiative, describing it as a visionary move to combine cultural celebration with economic empowerment.
“I’ve seen such festivals around the world where beer is part of the cultural expression. Whoever is introducing this concept here is a genius. Beers and humanity are legendary colleagues—from Jesus turning water into wine at Cana, to today’s social gatherings,” Mr. Kanusu said, assuring the public of full security during the event.
The Emiyenje Beer Festival promises to be a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and heritage appreciation, positioning Mbarara City as a rising hub for cultural tourism.
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