120 tussle for inaugural NESPAS Awards

The Nominees Unveiling Night, a precursor to the main event, was graced by industry stakeholders, sponsors, and the media, all eager to see who had made it to the coveted list. The NESPAS President, Abel Mugisha, delivered an inspiring speech that set the tone for the evening, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the service providers in Uganda’s vibrant events sector.

A Vision Realized

The NESPAS President, Abel Mugisha pulse uganda

Mugisha began by expressing his gratitude to everyone involved in making the event a reality. “I thank the nominees, our partners and sponsors, the media, the team at Emcee Portal, and the NESPAS team,” he said, acknowledging the collective effort required to bring the awards to life. He further highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “It is a very exciting moment for all of us for the journey thus far and seeing our vision in action.”

Two years ago, Mugisha and his colleagues identified a gap in the recognition of the events service industry. Despite the tireless efforts of many in the sector, there was a lack of appreciation for those who contribute to making events successful and memorable. After consulting with industry players, the NESPAS were officially registered, and the first awards were launched in April this year by the Minister of Tourism, Martin Mugarra.

A Night of Celebrations

The NESPAS nominees unveiling event pulse uganda

The unveiling night was not just about the nominees; it was also a moment to reflect on the journey that brought them here. Mugisha congratulated the nominees for making it this far, noting that the selection process had been rigorous. “There were a number of very good candidates in the 25 categories, but the judges, with their wisdom, expertise, and experience in the industry, gave their best,” he said.

Mugisha urged the nominees to reach out to their fans, family, and supporters to encourage them to vote, as the winners will emerge through public voting. He also took the opportunity to thank the event’s sponsors, including Stanbic Bank and Serena Hotel, Kampala, for their support. “We hope to become your partner of choice as we walk this journey annually,” Mugisha added, expressing hope for continued collaboration in the future.

Challenges in the Industry

Hatima Nalugwa Sekaya pulse uganda

The Nominees Unveiling Night also provided a platform to discuss some of the challenges facing the events industry in Uganda. Hatima Nalugwa Sekaaya from the Alliance of Uganda Events Contractors, one of the award organizers, gave a sobering account of the risks involved in the industry.

She recounted tragic incidents where service providers lost their employees in accidents while setting up events. Sekaaya emphasized the need for better insurance coverage and more formalized business practices within the sector. “If we come together as an association and speak one language, we shall move faster,” she said, advocating for greater collaboration among industry players.

Categories and Nominees

The NESPAS Awards span 25 categories, with an additional 5 honorary categories. Some of the most anticipated categories include Best DJ, Best Comedian, Best Live Band, and Best Public Events MC, each featuring strong contenders who have made significant contributions to the industry.

In the Best DJ category, nominees include DJ Nimrod, DJ Shiru, Suuna Ben, and Zahara Toto, all well-known figures in the entertainment scene. The Best Comedian category will see a fierce competition between Salvado, Dr. Hilary, Fan Factory, Madrat & Chiko, Uncle Mo, and Amooti.

The Best Live Band category features Abeeka Band, Maestro Band, Myko Ouma and Friends, all of whom have captivated audiences with their live performances. Meanwhile, the Children Entertainers category includes popular groups like Ghetto Kids, Hypers Kids Africa, Tenge Tenge, and Wakiso Kids, who have charmed both young and old alike with their energetic performances.

Other notable categories include Best Beverage and Catering, where L Dalausi Juice, Dr. Juice, Hassie Juice, and Mama Ck Chai will compete for the top spot. The Best Bakers category will see Runi Cake Shop, Bloven Cakes, and Sarah’s Cakes go head-to-head, while the Best Makeup Artist category features talents like Imani Makeup, Lash Glo, Mona Faces, Shaima Beauty, and Esther Nakaziba.

In the Traditional Event MCs category, Bakiddawo, Uncle Mark, and Zambali B Mukasa will battle it out, while the Public Events MCs category includes well-known personalities like Sheila Gashumba, MC Kats, Malaika Tenshi, Richard Tuwangye, Ronnie McVex, and King Wesly.