A Memorable Night of Laughter Across Borders
The inaugural Marabou Laugh Fest took place from 2–5 September 2025, uniting comedians from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. I was especially excited because I had performed in the only other comedy festival, Kampala Comedy Festival back in August 2019, which seemed a long way back. That one, organized by Okello Okello and Concept 360 was a two day event that brought together both Ugandan and international comedians. So stepping into this edition, aptly named and organized by the Laughing Maraboustork, the first recognised Ugandan Comedy Club itself felt like a continuation of a growing tradition… and it did not disappoint.
The Marabou Laugh Fest wasn’t just another comedy event. It was a celebration of how far Ugandan comedy has come. From local open mics to full-house festivals, the growth has been inspiring to witness.
Timothy J Nyanzi
L-Napoleon R-Sylva Two
On Wednesday, a day before my show, I had taken Noel for the Gambeta Events quiz. He said he wanted to go for both the quiz and the comedy the next day, but by the time we returned home just after one night, he was already tired. Not being used to these things, I think if he had a choice, he might have skipped Thursday. Still, on Thursday evening we set out. We left home at 6:30pm and were already at Donel’s Bistro in Ntinda by 7pm.
Backstage...
Backstage, I found other comedians catching up, and among them was the last person I expected to see — GeesPeezy from Major Moves. Major Moves Comedy, based in Gaborone, Botswana, is one of the leading names in stand-up across southern Africa, known for organizing top comedy festivals.
GeesPeezy was the one who had invited me to South Africa back in 2019 for the One Africa show, and I hadn’t seen him since. He’d been to Uganda a few times, but somehow our paths never crossed. Seeing him again was such a pleasant surprise. We laughed, hugged, and caught up like no time had passed.
Next to him sat a gentleman in dark sunglasses. I reached out to shake his hand, but Dr. Hilary leaned in and said, “He cannot see you, but you can talk to him and he will acknowledge.” That was when I realized he was blind. His name is Thapelo, a comedian from Botswana. My heart was touched. He had not let his condition stop him from pursuing his dreams – in fact, he had turned it into part of his strength.
The Show
By 8:05pm, the show was ready to start. After the prayer, the performances rolled out. Timothy Nyanzi was the host, and he did a great job keeping the energy alive. Elly Odoki opened, followed by Sundiata , and then it was my turn — though honestly, I cannot remember if I was the third or the fourth performer.
Sundiata
Elly Odoki
Hamis Mdee from Tanzania
Doug Mutai from Kenya
After my set, I went to the audience because I wanted to watch the the remaining acts. Hamis Mdee from Tanzania jumped on with a quick snippet of what to expect on Friday, and also Salvado appeared briefly, to introduce Daniel Omara.
Salvado
Daniel Omara
Then it was Thapelo’s turn, and he became the highlight of my night. From the very first line, he had the audience in stitches. Led onto the stage, he opened with: “Do you know what the lady who brought me here said?” The crowd chorused, “Tell us!” And he replied, “She told me… watch your step.” The room erupted, and from that moment his punchlines kept landing beautifully.
Watching Thapelo reminded me why I love this craft. Comedy connects people beyond borders, accents, or even physical limitations. His performance was a beautiful reminder that laughter truly sees no boundaries.
Thapelo
Noel
The Show Must Go On...
Later, Doug Mutai from Kenya came on, but somewhere through his set the power went out. He did not stop. He simply raised his voice and finished his performance without the microphone. That determination kept the audience with him till the end. Because of the blackout, the organizers decided to close the show after the curtain call and the roasting session.
But just as the roasts ended, the lights came back. The audience immediately started chanting “Hilary, Hilary!” and Dr. Hilary came on stage and performed.
It was such a rich evening. Every comedian brought their best, and it was wonderful to interact with performers from across the region.
The Marabou Laugh Fest may have been only four days long, but for me, that Thursday night carried the spirit of what this festival is all about: a testament that Ugandan comedy is in good hands. I was proud to be part of it again.
Dr. Hilary
Revellers
One for the road...
As we headed home, Noel was unusually quiet. I asked him, “Didn’t you enjoy the show?” He said he had, but confessed he was dying to sleep. Then he turned to me and asked, “Mummy, how do you manage this nightlife? Yesterday you were out, today you were out, and even tomorrow you are going out. Me, I am so tired and imagine I do not even drink alcohol. How do you manage?” I just laughed and told him,
“That is part of the job. You just have to manage.”
See you next time!
Photos courtesy of LMS
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Related Links
- Laughing Maraboustork Comedy Club
- Marabou Comedy Fest Revives Stand-up Scene In Kampala
- How Uganda’s First Comedy Festival Went Down
Timothy J Nyanzi | Patrick Salvado | Elly Odoki | Sundiata | Thapelo Malani | Dr. Hilary Okello | Daniel Omara | Doug Mutai | GeesPeezy | Hamis Mdee | Okello Okello | Major Moves Comedy
