Obulo Bwaffe Festival This webpage is developing with more content and contributors coming soon

Festival - Obulo Bwaffe Festival

In March 2025, the Njabala Foundation is thrilled to present its Annual Njabala Exhibition (ANE), continuing its mission since 2021 to celebrate and empower women artists across Uganda, Africa and the diaspora. This platform showcases extraordinary talent while sparking critical conversations that challenge societal norms and inspire change. ANE 2025 is conceived within the Njabala Foundation’s debut Obulo Bwaffe festival. Inspired by the Obulo Bwaffe folklore, the festival honors women as custodians of power, knowledge and agency amidst societal pressures. More than a festival, "Obulo Bwaffe" reimagines traditional narratives through a contemporary feminist lens, creating a transformative platform for art, storytelling, dialogue and knowledge production. Taking place 7th - 13th March, the festival will include exhibitions, performances, talks, mentorship programmes, workshops, film screenings, book readings, poetry, round tables, speed meetings, talks, music, dance, among others. Featured exhibitions taking places in multiple venues across Kampala will last through the end of March.

The Obulo Bwaffe folklore tells the tale of Nakato and Babirye, twin sisters tasked by their mother, Nalongo, to protect their millet field from hungry birds during a time of famine. As the birds descend upon the field, they boldly proclaim, "Nakato leave us to eat... Babirye leave us to eat... our millet for life." This audacious declaration from the birds mirrors the societal attitudes that often exploit women's resources and labor. The story serves as a potent metaphor for women's enduring strength and their right to own and control their own resources. The Obulo Bwaffe folklore, with its emphasis on the sisters' guardianship of their mother's millet, underscores the importance of women's role in several forms of production and their inherent right to the fruits of their labor. The birds' demand, "Let's eat our millet for life," symbolizes the societal pressures and expectations that often encroach upon women's autonomy and ownership.

This timeless tale resonates deeply in contemporary society, where women continue to face challenges in asserting their rights and controlling their own destinies. The Obulo Bwaffe folklore serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of women's power, agency and their right to self-determination. The lore foregrounds the need to challenge the systems that seek to exploit and oppress women. Consequently, the Obulo Bwaffe festival aims to capture the essence of the Obulo Bwaffe folklore while emphasizing its contemporary relevance. It highlights the core themes of women's empowerment, resource control, and the struggle against oppression, making it a valuable tool for sparking discussions and inspiring action.

Line Up

Stay tuned for updates as we finalize the lineup for the Festival.

Partners

Sponsors

This webpage is developing with more content and contributors coming soon.