In Uganda, street food plays a major role in contributing to the country’s economy, as a lot of people not only survive on street delicacies, but the trade is also a major source of income for a lot of people.
Popular street foods include the Rolex, Kikomando, Nsenene, Molokoni, and other foods such as yam, pilau, depending on how it is packaged. Whereas concepts such as Dinner or Supper may be familiar to some, they are unheard of to a certain other, as street foods are the most affordable ‘just-before’ bed snack, that is not discriminative of one’s income level or social status.
Due to the deliciousness and memorability of foods such as The Rolex that leaves the individual with a desire for more, those of higher status could not resist the urge as well, opening a door to a few innovative Ugandans, to branded and re-package this delicacy. That birthed events such as the Rolex Festival, and other franchises such as The Rolex Guy, found in some parts of Uganda like Entebbe and Kansanga.
Street Food As a Push Factor for Uganda’s Tourism
Because of its popularity and contrast to the iconic ROLEX Watch, The Ugandan Rolex, a roll/wrap of Chapati, Eggs and Nyanya-mbisi/tomatoes, caught global attention, as one of Uganda’s delicacy and in 2016, CNN named it as Afica’s best street food. Following the event, Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism officially included the Rolex on the List of Uganda’s Tourist Attractions, eventually birthing the Rolex Festival, which happens every year.
The dates for this year’s ‘2025’ Rolex Festival haven’t been published, as of the time of this publication.
Regardless, at Richara Safaris and Tours we are excited because we can’t wait to attend. Have you attended any in the past, or you wish to attend. Share with us! Our Contact
