The Amazing Significance of Makerere Porridge Nights- Afrostone Solidarity
Submitted by Christopher Tusiime on
Written by:
Davidson Ndyabahika
Porridge nights at Makerere, myths, facts and lies about this social-cultural event. What is the reasoning behind the porridge? DAVIDSON NDYABAHIKA explores.
The lingering light was obliterated by the rapidly falling night. The once salmon and purple sky transformed into a vast expanse of a jet-black thick cloud that engulfed the intellectual hill. The sweet-smelling rain-washed darkness, sky freckled with stars ran through beautifully firm trees and flowers leading to Africa Hall.
Time check, 9:43pm, it is Friday October 30, 2015, all roads seemingly head to Africa hall. Apparently reserved, in my room at the new residence, Living stone Hall, a sharp music pierces through my heart and unawares, I catch myself wobbling my head in accord to the sweet melodic tunes of A-PASS’ “Bakuwe Kyonywa” just across in Africa Hall. The air was chilly and still.
I remembered it was porridge night. Prior to that event, word was sent everywhere about the highly anticipated socio-cultural event on notice boards, social media etc.
I picked my camera braced myself for the event and guess what, an amazing facet of Livingstone hall “Gentlemen” together with ladies of Africa supposedly whispering little sweet nothings to one another in the sides of quadrangle supported by the dining hall, block E, A and C.
Music radiates from the well positioned stereo base speakers. Gents and Ladies dance themselves crazy as the porridge saucepan stands still in the middle.
The culture ministers of both halls hold huge mingling sticks and keep stirring as some on-lookers are lost in admiration.
With the nature of coldness, music takes away the coldness as faint wind brushes away the solitudes.
At this moment, I find the Chairman Livingstone hall Mr. Isabirye Isaac who narrates the whole ordeal of porridge night. A cultural event geared at strengthening the bond between the two halls.
Isabirye notes that this event provides an opportunity for the Afrostone community to rekindle their relationship. “It is an opportunity where people officially strengthen the bonds. The ladies bring for you cups and you move together to look for porridge,” he says.
The porridge is supposed to be prepared in the most traditional way using a three-stone fire wood stove, and porridge.
Almost similar to the traditional art of storytelling set up with the people getting together near a fire and someone begins to narrate, porridge night is a real semblance of contemporary mode of celebration of African culture with blending of two cultures both African and western culture.
“On such an event, music is played to allow for student to feel and appreciate the solidarity.”
He adds that; “if we have talented students, on such a day are given a chance to sing or dance for the rest present comedy, etc.”
At the event, even those with their money can buy roasted meat and feel the evening.
“There is commercial Nyama-Choma which as gentlemen one is obliged to buy a friend, be it a lady or gent. We replicate the same behavior as one someone takes a colleague out,” notes Isabirye.
He adds; “Porridge brings us together, the setting its self is symbolic and it brings the memories of our grand fathers and mothers.”
With this kind of culture, the hall leadership usually organizes two huge saucepans, one for white porridge (from maize) and another for millet porridge. And both have milk.
As a tradition, it is always the chairman and chair lady to taste first; in this case, they check whether sugar is enough, whether porridge is ready and many other things. This porridge is usually accompanied by escorts (either a ban or tossed bread) in plenty.
The ritual and perhaps a password to get porridge, as a gentleman, one has to come along with a lady and they are served. It is always recommended that since it is solidarity of the two halls, one has to have a lady that evening.
The Afrostone solidarity opens up to other people. The chairman Livingstone Hall says one MUST fit the qualifications of a Gentleman.
“We entertain visitors who fit our standards,” Isabirye says.
There is always a rich behind the introduction of porridge night, a social event and a bond for the two halls. This introduces one to new friendship.
“The room where I picked my first cup, the lady is still my friend. So it keeps the candle and the light of solidarity firm,” Isabirye said.
Livingstone porridge night organizers boast of the numbers as opposed to other halls of residence.
“Our attendance is always unique. It makes us very special for the fact because of massive attendance. We are supposed to have porridge nights every month, depending on the nature of finances,” one of the culture members recounts.
According to the various hall chairpersons, a porridge night usually gives students a sense of belonging and identity.
Kyasimire Ronald Chairman Lumumba Hall says; “It gives all students a sense of belonging, unity, and identity and strengthening solidarity between the halls.”
Roy Ndaula the chairman Mitchell Hall confirms the identity bit associated with porridge nights.
“It is an interaction platform for students from that particular hall. Networking with fellow students. It is through these platforms that many people get new friends, girlfriends,” Ndaula says.
“It encompasses non residents who feel that attachment to the hall. When one misses such an event, he/she misses this social gate-pass. You cannot go to for instance Olympia and knock on someone’s’ door and enter their room and seek audience.”
We use porridge because it is a common drink from our traditional backgrounds. We can’t use alcohol because some people do not take it and it has its own effects.
Despite the good sense and moral reasoning usually associated with the porridge nights, they usually end up rowdy in case of an invasion of some people.
“As you crown up the event, the feeling of power drives you to visit other halls to notify them how powerful you are, especially after executing “emirimu gya Mitchell”. And during this event, a visit from another hall compromises the power of the male hall. There would be hiccups between the two halls,” Ndaula Roy stated.
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