Best Kampala Bridal Wears
Diane Komunda is one of Kampala’s most accomplished designers. Her shop, Ever After Limited, is found in Bukoto. Before Ever After, she learnt her skills with Arapapa, another big fashion house in Kampala. With a career spanning almost a decade, she is comfortably suited to understand what the trends of wedding garments will be even in the future. We asked her what drives Kampala’s brides when they are seeking a wedding dress.
What brides’ gowns are trending these days, in your opinion?
From the Cinderella/ ball gowns that seemed timeless not so long ago, about three to five years back, the trends are now more into fitted gowns; the ‘Silhouettes’ that fit from the bodice to just bellow the hip area and then it builds up from that point .
How are today’s garments different from the past?
People are now more aware of their bodies and growing more confident, not afraid to show their African shape. Thus, they are able to follow the trends as they come, which was not the case in the ‘90s and early 2000’s. The hemline, for example has moved up several inches from mid leg to knee and now to mid thigh and this is on the streets of Kampala cutting through all classes of people. The neck line has moved up as well. There is a lot of covering around the bodice. Sleeves are back, especially the Lady Gaga ones. Brides are now into the one-arm sleeve detail and Bird Cage veils, moving away from the traditional all covering veil. The color is changing from all white to ivory, champagne, and a dash of the brides choose colour.
Have you noticed any other trends influencing today’s brides’ choices in attire (like less money or just world styles)?
Brides are now more into unique or fashion forward styles. Most brides are looking to be different so the tailored gowns are becoming a good choice for many as they can get exactly what they want.
When do you have to be more creative – is there a time in the year when designs change drastically?
The wedding season starts when Lent is over – about April – but starts to peak in July to December; December being the highest. That is the time you have to really get creative as you cannot have two bridal parties looking alike. Kampala is too small; they will share some guests.
What are your strengths as a unique designer?
I think it is the ability to work with different materials and not being afraid to try different colours together. Simplicity: less is always more. I try not to crowd the design. Most times, people want three dress designs in one, which just kills the design. Simple but elegant is the secret as far as I am concerned.
How much money on average does the average bride need to spare to get decent attire?
On average, 1500,000 UGX when it is tailored and 1200,000 UGX if one wants to hire.
Do brides come up with their designs most times or do you have to do that with the package?
If it’s tailored, the bride wants something specific. I usually have to come up with a design to suit her body and her desires.
To contact Ever After call: 0712190352
Read MoreKampala Restaurant Award 2015
Here is the opportunity to taste different dishes and Cuisines prepared by Uganda best restaurants on November 25th 2015 at Serena hotel in Kampala city, Uganda- East Africa. The event (Kampala Restaurant Awards 2015) is organized by Hellofood Uganda, in partnership with Done Deal, and MTN and sponsored by Shell Gas, Pepsi, Brussels Airlines and Robertson Winery. The awards recognize achievement and excellence in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry throughout the beautiful city of Kampala in 15 categories and celebrate all aspects of the Industry from Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars, to Wines and Beers.
In most cases bites make travel more fantastic that is if you grab a tasty meal in a restaurant or hotel. In Kampala Uganda’s capital there are many restaurants participating in this event- hence offering the very best services possible in order to win the award & also remain outstanding in the travel & tourism world. Can’t stop you from tasting the street vendor meals but be more careful where to pick this by the guidance of your travel agents or guides since it may make your stomach upset. Some restaurants in kampala specialize in preparing food of particular country citizens like Local food, italian, Chinese, Ethopian, Goan, Japanese, Indian, Belgian, Korean among others
Each charge Relative prices depending on the Restaurants, eating places & Cuisines. Standard price for a meal in a good restaurant in Kampala is between fifteen thousand Uganda shillings (shs 15,000 )-Thirty thousand Uganda shillings (shs 30,000) equivalent to US$5-10. However there are many places where you can eat for less than 10,000 equivalents to US$2-4. Besides Soft drinks like sodas, water, energy drinks are available in all restaurants but other drinks like wines and beers are not sold in every restaurant.
Most loved Kampala restaurants include Fase 2 on Nakasero Road, Fang Fang on Kampala Road, Great Wall of China, on Kampala Road, Mamamia’s pizzeria, Domino’s Pizza on Kampala Road,Nandos on kampala road , Garden City Shopping Centre, The Clay Pot inside the Hotel Equatoria, Tandoori Chaat Masala on DeWinton Street, Khana Khazana on Acacia Avenue in Kololo, Café de Paris Crocodile Restaurant also in Kisementi, Krua Thai slightly in Acacia Avenue serves absolutely authentic Thai food. If your a fun of night life then various options are available with good Clubs/Bars/Pubs in places like Acasia road, Bukoto, Bugolobi, Kabalagala and kansanga area and they include Ethiopian Village, Le Petit Bistro, Le Chateau, The Pizzeria in Bugolobi, Half London Pub, Capital Pub, Al’s bar, Hunters, Half London Pub, plus the multitude of small bars in Kabalagala among others.
You can vote for your favorite restaurant online at http://www.kampalarestaurantawards.ug. Each voter is allowed to cast one vote a day per category so don’t forget to participate. Categories include Fine Dining where the Kampala Serena’s outstanding restaurant surely must be a favourite considering their culinary creations and service while other categories include Best Wine Brand, Best Beer Brand, Best Pizzeria, Best Indian Cuisine to name but a few. This inaugural event follows the launch earlier this year of the Kampala Restaurant Week in June, which proved to be a huge success with over 40 participants offering signature dishes and daily menu choices at reduced prices.
A Kampala Cocktail Week is due to follow from the 03rd to the 12th of December, showcasing the art of mixing drinks across Kampala’s leading bars. All this is an indicator that Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, has truly arrived in regard of hospitality and restaurant services, having made huge strides over the past decade. Get a chance to experience the dining culture at a discounted price as you unite with the service providers in Kampala the City of Life in Africa not forgetting the beautiful warm smiles often making you feel at Home and welcome. While on your safari in Uganda, don’t miss these amazing events. Just contact us and we will make sure that your table will get booked.
Read MoreUganda to Hold Janan Luwum Commemoration
Kampala city is taking off a year for St Janan Luwum Annual commemoration in Uganda on the 16th February at the Wii Gweng, Mucwini which is the resting place and the birth place of Jonan Luwum. This commemoration will help in increasing the number of safaris to Uganda. St Janan Luwum was also born in 1924 in Mucwini, Chua, and Kitgum and was a school teacher before he joined Church ministry. Rev Janan went on serve in different capacities as the principal of Buwalasi Theological College after his ordination.
In 1974, he was installed as Archbishop of the accelesiastical province, covering Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga- zaire in Congo. On 16 February, 1997, the bishop was murdered at Nakasero, and by then President of Uganda, General Idi Amin Dada for the publically criticizing Amin’s actions. This is also followed a period of great tension, agitation and the ugly showdown from the public and the world at large with Amin and his dictatorial regime. This was also the searing martyrdom of St Janan which marked the pivotal turning point for the fall of Amin region and the subsequent liberation of Uganda.
This is the liberation which laid a strong foundation for excellent security in Uganda. For those interested in religious and cultural tours in Uganda, you can join the other pilgrimages and travel to Northern Uganda to celebrate the life of this protestant martyr. Just around the world, there is great devotion to St. Janan Luwum; churches, chapels and schools which have named after him. In 1978, Canterbury cathedral dedicated 20th century Martyrs chapel to St Janan’s martyrdom. However in the Church of England’s calendar celebrating saints and martyrs, 17th February is the festival of Jonan Luwum.
There is also a deep moral obligation which helps in ensuring that the testimony, martyrdom and also the example of St Janan Luwum is known, emulated and celebrated in his homeland Uganda, Africa and the whole World. UTB is also going to promote the annual event to the Christians niche world over to always plan on travelling to Uganda and also join in the commemoration events on 16 February. This will also help in attracting safaris to the country.
This national and the international celebration for this saint was launched at Namirembe Cathedral on 12th January by the Archbishop of Uganda his Grace Stanley Ntagali. Also the worship and the thanksgiving in Mucwini will be ecumenically led by the Archbishop Stanley Ntagali and Archbishop John Baptist Odama. There will also be special guests and the memorial preachers for the occasion like Ugandan- born Dr. John Sentamu, Desmond Tutu. Many of the national and international dignitaries will be in attendance, led by H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who will also be the guest of honor. Uganda Wildlife Authority in collaboration with UTB will offer half prices for entrance to Murchison falls National Park for all travelling to the north for this event.
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