Lumbox Carnival Flops

Written by: 
Moureen Acham

 

Organisers of the Lumbox Carnival are still counting losses after they failed to attract big numbers of students for the event on Saturday, October 27.

Only a few students turned up at Makerere College pitch for the carnival, which was organised by students from Lumumba and Mary Stuart halls, leaving the organisers disappointed.

Henry Erunga, a custodian of Mary Stuart Hall, said: "Initially they were given a total of ten million shillings to organise the event but they realised it was not going to be enough, they later sought sponsors for the event."

The sponsors included Capital FM., Kiri Soda and Club beer.

While the sponsors counted losses, the few students who turned up had a great time. They enjoyed performances from artists such as Bruno K and King Saha among others, with Allan commonly known as ‘Disease’ being MC of the event.

Dubbed the biggest carnival at Makerere, the Lumbox Carnival has over the years been a free-to-watch annual concert organised by the cultural solidarity of Lumumba and Mary Stuart halls popularly known as Lumbox Solidarity.

Saturday’s event was a far cry from the past carnivals which attracted such big names as Cindy, Grace Nakimera, GNL Zamba, the Goodlyfe Crew, Bebe Cool and Chameleone.

 Barigye Besigye, a student of Lumumba Hall, said that he was glad the place was not filled to capacity as it gave the few who were there enough space to dance.

Kecuringa Jean, a resident of Mary Stuart Hall, said: “The event was meant for the two halls but still we are fine with other people coming in." Kecuringa added that the low attendance could be due to limited advertisement. This time the event was advertised majorly via WhatsApp unlike in the past when loud speakers would go around the university campus announcing the same.

 The event which started at 7 pm ended 54 minutes passed midnight. The students were escorted by the police as they returned to respective halls and hostels of residence.