EnterUganda

. Kampala, Uganda.

By Timothy Bukumunhe

Is this the Punchline that has been featuring so heavily in the Vision's gossip pages recently?
Yes, that is the very Punchline I went to over the weekend. Punchline is located in Kabalagala, almost opposite Wills, where the infamous Shadows Angels perform. Unlike the previous occupants, who barely lasted more than four months in the place, Punchline is thriving and has begun to acquire some form of cult following.

What do you mean by cult following?
I may have used the wrong word here, but what I mean is that a number of high class Kampala notables have been known to go to the place. I'll give you a brief of them later on.

Could you describe the place, if you don't mind?
No I don't. By the entrance is an MTN PubliCom phone booth, and on the terrace there is enough space for about 15 tables. The main building is drenched in blue and right above the entrance to the inner sanctuary is a sign that reads, "Tukusanyukidde." Translated into English, it means, "We are happy to see you," I think.

And the inside? Can you give us a brief description of that, too?
Dark - very dark indeed. The bar is to the left of the entrance, along with the small DVD library. If you stand with your back to the bar, in front of you you will see two pool tables at which a game costs sh500, and numerous gaming machines lined up against the wall. To get to the toilets, you have to go through some cowboy-type swing doors.

I suppose they do food as well.
They do. I'll run through the menu for you. They have an a la carte menu and the prices are very conducive to the pockets. Expect to pay no more than sh3,500 for something to eat. They serve Punchline Spaghetti, chicken, beef and steak all at sh3,500 a plate. Grilled pork chops cost sh2,700, fried liver or kidney sh2,000 and a whole tilapia goes at sh3,500. Should you want anything from the charcoal grill, they do serve goat brochettes and pork at sh2000, chicken at sh1,000 and beef brochettes at sh1,500.

But when the food was served, was it to your liking?
I thought the Garlic Punchline Steak was a treat. It was succulent and prepared with minimum fuss. My guest on the day opted for the grilled pork chops with pineapple, and she, too, was satisfied with what was presented. At the end of the day, Punchline is a place worth a visit, and I am sure it won't dissapoint like so many places in Kabalagala do.

THE CROWD: Patrick Otembo formerly of Capital FM, Sanyu FM's Chris Galukande, WBS talk show host Paul Kiwanuka and others have all been spotted there.
THE GOOD POINTS: If you like loud thumping music and quality movies shown on DVD, it's the place to be.
THE BAD POINTS: The dust from the road and the car horns from the taxis can be a nuisance.
THE TOILETS: Not sparkling, but clean, nevertheless. There is no stench of last year's urine.
PUNCHLINE is located in Kabalagala, almost opposite Wills. For reservations call 077-744444.Open 4:00pm till late during the week and 1:00pm till late over the weekend.

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