EnterUganda

. Kampala, Uganda.

By Timothy Bukumunhe

Just kicking what?
Obviously, you have not been there. Just Kicking is without a doubt Uganda's leading sports bar, and is located on Cooper Road, Kisementi, right next door to 7, Cooper Road the restaurant. The bar, which has been around for almost four years, has a trendy image and draws most of its appeal from sports fans.

Do I have to be an athlete to go there?
No you don't. I don't expect you to go there and find Davis Kamoga in the corner drinking juice or Grace Birungi snacking on bananas. Just Kicking is open to all. As I said, it draws most of its appeal from sports fans. As you walk in, straight in front of you is the square bar. Built into the bar are four television screens. The walls are covered with sports memorabilia: A signed and framed rugby shirt from England centre Jeremy Guscott, the England rugby team as well as framed football shirts from Brighton, Hove Albion and Derby Ross County to name a few. There is also a litter of English football and rubgy programmes on the walls, plus a framed and signed Just Kicking shirt by Geri, the former Spice Girl.

So it's some sort of museum then?
Not really. You seem to be missing the point. As it is a sports bar, the ambience of the place is sporty. When the big matches take place and are screened live on DSTV, hordes of fans congregate in the place to watch the matches over a number of beers. Just Kicking is the place to be if you want some excitement when the big games are on. There is a lot of shouting, screaming and oohs and aahs when a goal is scored or the keeper makes a brilliant save. Do you get my drift now?

I think I do. Would you like to carry on?
I still have some space. One thing about Just Kicking is you have to get up to the bar and buy your own drinks. There are no waiters or waitresses to serve you. It is important, especially on busy nights, that you go to the bar with a firm idea of what you are going to drink, otherwise the bar man will ignore you and serve somebody else who is "with it." Get my drift?

I do get your drift. What's with the men's toilets?
I almost forgot. On the walls of the men's toilet when I was there for the Supersport 3 launch on Wednesday, occupying centre stage were framed pictures of Britney Spears and the babe of all babes, Halle Berry. What more could you ask for?

Could you wrap up please? We're out of space.
Capacity at Just Kicking is about 400 people. Beer is at sh2,000 and Coke at sh1,000. There is ample off-street parking too. Definitely worth checking out when a live game is on.

THE CROWD: Mostly expat, but does well with sports lovers. Capital Radio's Sam Ayo and Alex Ndawula frequent, as does Goldstar's Abbey Kassim, the Monitor's Mark Ssali and MTN's Phillip Besiimire to name a few.
THE TOILETS: Clean the night I was there.
THE GOOD POINTS: A good, fast and loud environment to watch a premiership match or one of the live rugby matches.
THE BAD POINTS: Having to crane your neck to watch one of the television screens.
JUST KICKING is located on Cooper Road, Kisementi. Open Monday through Saturday from 5.00pm till late. Open Sundays depending on Premiership schedules. For reservations call 235134.

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