bringing pizza to Gulu

Light, open and airy, complete with nature’s blue ceiling, Sakofa Café promises to be more than an upcountry bistro. One thing that strikes you is the name of the establishment.

According to Mr Albert Opiyo, the beverage and foods supervisor at Sankofa cafe, Sankofa is a local bird species found in West Africa.

It also means as you move forward, do not forget your roots. And judging by the décor, the African setting is the one thing that the owners want their patrons not to forget. One of Sakofa’s best kept secrets since its inception are the delicacies from their kitchen.

A taste of the chicken pizza at the café made us understand why people of all races flock the place.
The serene environment doubled with the quick service, plus natural juice, had us hungry for more.

Located approximately a kilometre from the heart of Gulu town on plot 1 Samuel Doe road, Sankofa café provides a wide array of drinks, African dishes and continental dishes serving Italian, American and Mexican cuisine.

With a splendid garden littered with trees, nothing can beat an individual’s cool relaxation away from the noise-free settings as one enjoys a drink or eats with acoustic melodies in the background.

Inception
Established in 2010, Sankofa café comprises a restaurant, wireless internet and a mini-bar.

At the restaurant, one has the option of sipping an espresso or cappuccino for coffee lovers. Beside the coffee, those with a sweet tooth will fall in love with their cakes. The in-house bakery makes cakes for all occasions.

That aside, the well-stocked mini-bar will not disappoint with its array of wines, spirits and soft drinks.

The patrons
Because of its diet, Sankofa café hosts both local and international clients. “We are trying to woo more local clients since majority of foreigners dine at the café, while local people have a perception that the place is expensive yet every one afford,” says Opiyo.

Entertainment
Variety defines their music selection and every once in a while there are also cool movies showing on giant screens.

From Monday to Thursday in the mornings, slow music is played and from midday to 7pm enjoy mixed hot jams while between 7pm to 10pm is local music.

Friday is movie night starting from 8pm to 10pm with popcorns on the house.
Saturdays and Sundays are lovers’ nights which are fused with karaoke.

Pluses and minuses
There is a perimeter wall with 24-hour security sadly the parking lot cannot accommodate all the patrons’ cars.

Asked about this hiccup, Opiyo says, “Plans are under way to expand the space by buying a land where we would put up structures that can accommodate a great number of customer’s cars.”

This is one of the minuses that at times causes patrons to party from elsewhere. Other than that, the food is great.

if you go
When it is open: Monday to Sunday
Prices of drinks: Beers cost Shs4,000 while a bottle of soda is Shs1,500, a glass of red or white wine is Shs6,000, and a glass of fruit juice goes for Shs2,000.

Food:

Pizza costs between Shs9,000 and Shs35,000. Local dishes range between Shs5,000 to Shs25,000 depending on your preference.
Pork chops go for Shs20,000 while fried whole fish costs Shs18,000. Salads between Shs6,000 and Shs18,000. Plain chips is at Shs5,000.