On Iguana

Despite the fact that I have certainly seen quite a few little lizards scurrying around Kampala so far, this post is not about small four-legged critters. It is about a nightclub called “Iguana”. This past Friday night, I experienced my first genuine night out in Kampala. After beginning the evening with a nap (typical Eleanor move, I know), I ventured up to the goodbye party for SCMS (Supply Chain Management System), which is a PEPFAR implementing partner with whom we’ve been sharing office space for the last several months. Unfortunately, their contract terminates at the end of May, so they threw a goodbye/thank you party attended by a number of Ministry of Health officials, SCMS staff, and of course, CHAI employees. After a few glasses of wine, delectable appetizers, great company and some preliminary dancing, Evan, Matt, Vijay and I left the SCMS party and headed for Iguana.

Upon first glance, Iguana looks like a massive bungalow, complete with multiple levels and a thatched roof. To enter the club, you need to walk up a long, narrow stair case that leads to massive bar/lounge area on one side, and a dance floor on the other. Clearly an expat hub, Iguana was populated by more whites than I’ve seen congregated in one place since I arrived in Uganda. I’d say the split was about 50% Ugandan, 50% foreign.

After a couple of gin and tonics (all a lightweight such as myself needs), the four of us danced the night away (Paces style) to a combination of American pop/hip hop and popular African music. I didn’t get home until around 2:30am (those who know me well know that this is a very late night out for me). It clearly took its toll, as I slept on and off until almost 1pm on Saturday morning! Anyway, my initial taste of nightlife in Uganda was fantastic, and I look forward to many more evenings out in Kampala.