Ugandan Luwombo Captivates Kenyans at Cultural Exhibition in Mombasa

The historic Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Kenya, recently hosted a vibrant Uganda Cultural Exhibition, bringing together Ugandans and Kenyans to celebrate and explore shared heritage. A highlight of the event was the aromatic presence of Luwombo, a traditional Baganda stew, served in banana leaves.

Exhibitor Halima Namaganda, a Ugandan living in Mombasa for over a decade, played a key role in introducing the dish. “I thought, can’t we do this again? I can bring home down to Mombasa with the taste of luwombo stew,” she shared. Preparing 100 packs of the delicacy involved sourcing banana leaves directly from Uganda and a meticulous cooking process, a challenge Namaganda embraced to showcase her homeland.

The exhibition, organized by the Uganda Consulate in Mombasa and Kenyan tourism stakeholders, featured not only food but also Ugandan coffee, crafts, and cultural artifacts, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. Visitors engaged with various stalls, learning about Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and tourism opportunities.

According to Namaganda, both the food and cultural dances were major draws for the Kenyan community. Abraham Guyo, vice chairperson of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), noted the event’s success in highlighting potential tourism collaborations. He suggested that combining Kenya’s coastal and safari experiences with Uganda’s adventure offerings like white-water rafting and gorilla trekking could create more comprehensive and appealing packages for tourists.

The exhibition also touched upon air travel connectivity between the two nations. As the day concluded with a formal dinner and performances, the message of collaboration over competition resonated, with Namaganda expressing faith in food’s power to drive tourism and connection between Uganda and Kenya.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/entertainment/uganda-s-culture-excites-kenya-s-as-they-taste-luwombo-at-coast-5466558