Weekend of revving, drifting and dreaming at the auto show
“Here comes trouble”. That is what his friends used to call him, not because he was reckless, but because he rode like he had nothing to lose.
At 34, Eric Aandie still wears the nickname like second skin, and it followed him to the auto show at Kololo Ceremonial grounds at the weekend.
“I was not the fastest,” Aandie said with a quiet smile, “but I was always the one taking the wild lines, making bold moves. That is how it stuck. And honestly I earned it.”
It was more than clear the auto show was not just about machines; it was also about the people behind the helmets and wheels, the grit, the heart and the road that shaped them.
The annual NCBA auto show, this year held from July 12 to 13, came with the sound of buzzing engines, laughter, cheers, good music and the smell of grilled street food. The weather, which has been bipolar of late, also decided to cooperate.
The sky was clear with a golden glow across the tarmac and it felt like the city had paused to give the machines and their riders the perfect stage. A number of races featured, such as the drag races, gymkhana and drifting.
Marcus Kiyaga first realized his passion – bikes – at just 11 years, which became a hobby for him. Now, with more than 15 years of experience on two wheels, for Kiyaga biking is no longer just a hobby; it is a lifestyle.
The way he leaned into each turn at Kololo, the confidence in his posture, you could just tell this was where he felt most alive. Beyond the thrill of the ride, Kiyaga also appreciated the sense of community the auto show offered.
“I love socializing,” he said. “You meet people you share interests with and just connect; it’s more than just bikes, it’s a brotherhood.”
The auto show had something for everyone; families got together and explored the grounds, the go-karting track was open to both the young and old, you could hear the children’s excitement from their laughter and joy on their faces. Priceless.
While the bikers showed off their skills, car lovers had their moment too. From classic remodels to the latest brands, they were all on display.
I saw a Vanderhall Carmel, a three- wheeled roadster known for combining the excitement of a sports car with features like a roof, doors and air conditioning for comfort; a well-maintained blue VW Golf MK2 (in production from 1983 to 1992); a GWM Haval H6 GT 2025 hybrid model; Jeep Wranglers, Ford Ranger pickup trucks; fancy BMW models; and many others.
However, there was one car that did not have to make noise first to be noticed; its smartness spoke for it and this was none other than a Tesla Model X. Yes, you read that right, there are Teslas on Ugandan roads. The colour was screaming classy and boujee. You know that rich shade of white?
That one. Then, its falcon-wing doors lift straight up dramatically, making the car look like a spaceship. For a moment, there it did not feel like we were in Kololo, but in the cinema watching the latest sci fi movie in 3D. For many, it was not just entertainment; it was inspiration. According to Melvin Mwesigwa, one of the attendees, this show is always a reminder that he needs to keep grinding in this life.
If you were looking for motivation to work hard, this was the place to be, because other Ugandans are actually not sleeping. You see the car of your fantasies owned by a fellow Ugandan and realise that these things are doable.
The turnout was massive compared to last year’s. By all standards, the show was a success but as the event continues to grow, there is still room to go even bigger, to put more safety measures for the crowd and more hands-on activities for younger enthusiasts.
Whether you were a rider, a rev-head of just someone chasing a good weekend vibe, the NCBA auto show is slowly becoming a must-attend on Kampala’s events calendar.
