Spreading pilao niche

Uhuru Restaurant has the distinction of having been around since 1962 and is probably the oldest eatery in Uganda. Originally founded by Saad Uhuru, the father of Salim Uhuru, the current proprietor, they have come a long way from the somewhat derelict Nakivubo settlement on Abbey Kafumbe Road. Granted that they moved to one of the so called malls in mid-town Kampala where they still hold sway and their devoted clients go there in droves on a daily basis without any let up.

How they rolled out
Uhuru Restaurant was the pioneer in terms of delivery of the takeaway concept dating back to the turn of the century when pilao was packed in buvera and Salim would man the phone and ensure that deliveries were made by a dedicated team of bodaboda riders.

The latest Uhuru Restaurant is on Awab Towers, Mengo and is well situated and doing rather well in terms of patronage. It helps when one knows the business inside out and above all, having set a standard that is always adhered to and consistent with what I consider favourable pricing. The pilao is always cooked the same way with no corners cut in terms of spicing and quality.

Two can easily get by with a decent meal and a soda for less than Shs20,000 in a comfortable environment, partaking of tasty food with good service to boot. Besides pilao, they also offer matooke, which can be ordered as a combination. By all accounts, Uhuru has come a long way from Nakivubo where I first met his acquaintance years ago.

They say soon they plan to offer grilled meats in the evening and being in spitting distance from the Mengo Market where they have hordes of people who sell roasted chicken, chips, fried fish at Shs3,000 daily. I am sure Uhuru will offer a better and more sanitary product.

The deal
Our rating: Worth a visit
The place Uhuru Restaurant Mengo
Address: Awab Towers, Mengo
The space: Spacious and comfortable
The crowd: Mainly locals and people from the surrounding area
The menu: Pilao, matooke, snacks such as kebabs, chaps, samosas, grilled chicken and the like.
The bar: Soda and juice
Recommended dishes: Pilao served with either beef or chicken including fried beans and tomato-chili sauce.
The damage: Pilao and beans is Shs5,000, pilao and beef Shs7,000 while pilao and chicken, goes for Shs8,000.
Sound level: Good
Parking: Limited, but safe
Smoke free zone: Not allowed
If you go: Daily including weekends
Note: These ratings are purely the reviewer’s personal reaction to food.