January is often joked about as a month that feels like it contains several months within itself. It is the first month of the year, yet one many people struggle to prepare for effectively. Salaries arrive earlier than usual, bills spill over from December, and the weight of festive spending, parties and endless get-togethers catches up fast. Financially, it is naturally draining.
This year, January in Uganda felt even longer. The election period collided with back-to-school pressure, stretching both emotions and wallets. With so much happening, the timing of The Big Meeting, hosted at Thrones Lounge in Bugolobi, could not have been better.
Among Kampala’s many brunch experiences, The Big Meeting stands out for its free entry and its immersive nature. Guests are not just spectators but participants, encouraged to indulge with The Singleton by creating or mixing their own drinks, making the experience feel personal and relaxed.
Speaking about the January edition, Singleton Brand Manager for East Africa, Simon Lapyem, said the concept was inspired by the realities of the month. “January can feel like a very long month for many people, especially after the festive season. With The Big Meeting, we wanted to create an experience that feels welcoming and unpretentious, where people can come together, enjoy good whisky in a way that suits them, and reconnect over football, food and music. The idea is to remind people that great moments don’t have to be forced or expensive. Sometimes they just need the right setting,” he said.
And there was certainly a lot happening at Thrones on Sunday. From the music and food to the cocktails and DJ sets, the venue stayed alive throughout the day. Early arrivals were treated to sets by Kamali, Big E and Nova, while Lynda Ddane kept the audience engaged. She even stepped off the stage at intervals to mingle with guests and make her own cocktails, adding to the laid-back charm of the afternoon.
The high-energy English Premier League clash between current table leaders Arsenal FC and long-time rivals Manchester United elevated the mood even further. As kickoff approached, numbers swelled, banter intensified, and confidence ran high on both sides, with fans loudly predicting a total wipe-out of their opponents.
“Today people will understand why the stadium is called Emirates even when it’s in London,” joked one reveller, clearly backing Arsenal.
Once the match began, the atmosphere shifted instantly. Screens drew people closer, chairs were abandoned, and commentary flowed from every corner of Thrones. Cheers, groans and sarcastic applause filled the room with every missed chance or controversial call. Even guests who had come mainly for the music found themselves swept up in the drama of the game.
Renowned Arsenal supporter Bebe Cool was spotted in the crowd, visibly enjoying the evening and noticeably more animated whenever the match tilted in his team’s favour.
By full time, despite Arsenal’s underwhelming performance, the shared tension, noise and playful rivalry had cemented the match as one of the day’s defining moments. As the night rolled on, the music took over once again, with DJs KasBaby, Esau, Jerry and others keeping the energy high and the conversations flowing.
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