Comedy is currently one the fastest growing sectors of the Ugandan entertainment industry. Its not just developing, its evolving, fast!
Just two decades ago, comedy could barely stand on its own. Comedians mostly had to rely on drama groups to sideline on their shows. It is for this reason that some same Ugandan comedy evolved from drama.
The earliest comedians in Uganda started specializing from the mid to the late 90s. These were mostly radio presenters who did short skits for radio stations. These ones included Kaibanda on CBS FM, Patricko Mujuuka, Abbey Mukiibi, Kato Lubwama all of whom co-hosted the Kaliisoliiso show on CBS FM in the morning.
2001 to 2010 – Comedy clips and working with drama actors
In the early 2000s, more comedians started coming out. This time, most would organize themselves in groups and the ways of performing were much similar to drama. They would play skits on stage accompanied by music and dialogue. Very few attempted standup comedy during those days. There were no comedy events in Kampala. Comedians would on sideline musicians or drama actors.
In the mid 2000s, names like Amooti Omubaranguzi, Patricko Mujuuka, Paddy Bitama, Abbey Mukiibi, and others started emerging. Groups like the Amarula family and others also started emerging. Kampal started getting independent comedy-shows. Venues like Sabrina’s Pub, Bat Valley and others became popular for hosting the new for of entertainment.
Between 2006 and 2010, Amooti Omubaramnguzi, Paddy Bitama and their Amarula Family comedy group did a great job in taking comedy mainstream. They inspired and scouted new and young comedy talent and the industry took off.
After 2010, Standup comedian and comedy shows
After 2010, comedy shows which were mainly done as skits and sold on DVDs now became live performances. Standup comedians stating gaining respect and many stopped drama-like performances and specialised in standup.
Today, the comedy industry has evolved and grown vastly. Comedy shows are held at expensive venues, major TVs are paying to broadcast weekly comedy shows. The new players include MC Mariach, Salvado, MC Kapale, Alex Muhangi, Madrat and Chicko and many other comedians.
