The Night of Ideas, a global platform and celebration of intellectual discourse and artistic expression, finally arrived in Kampala, Uganda, last week on February 13, 2025, hosted and organized by the Alliance Française.
While this prestigious event has graced 190 cities and 104 countries since its inception in 2016, this marked its exciting debut in the Ugandan capital. The theme for this year’s global event, “common ground,” resonated deeply with the Kampala edition’s focus on “The power to act in a world in transition,” particularly regarding building an inclusive digital future.
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The well-attended event brought together artists, filmmakers, storytellers, and the general public. The evening began with slow-paced live music to set the mood and tone, followed by snacks and drinks. The program officially kicked off at 7 PM. I was honored to co-emcee The Night of Ideas and moderate the panel discussion for this inaugural event—a first for me. Admittedly, I was a bit nervous stepping into this dual role, but the energy of the evening, the importance of the conversations, and the discussants quickly put me at ease, thanks to their professional and highly engaging manner during the panel discussion.
Among the distinguished panelists were Dr. Annabella Basaza-Ejiri, Fiona Kemigisha, and Andrew Kakinda, each bringing their expertise and insights to the table, making the discussion on digital transformation, youth empowerment, and the gig economy in Uganda fruitful. Andrew Kakinda stressed the available opportunities for young people at StartHub under the Gig Work Program, highlighting its impact on over 70 young people (particularly those from refugee camps and local youth) who have benefited from essential training. He also spoke to how StartHub’s partnership with UNICEF and other organizations has enabled the program’s success.
Dr. Annabella Basaza-Ejiri spoke to the need for digital consciousness among youth in an era of increasing cases of hackers and online fraud. Her invaluable expertise was evident in how she emphasized the various plans and policies the government has in place and is planning to implement to bridge the digital divide. She also mentioned ongoing short courses on cybersecurity and computer literacy at Makerere University, designed to equip young people with the necessary skills for today’s world.
The night wouldn’t have been complete without Khama Digital’s Co-Founder and “The Unpopular Opinion Uganda Podcast” host, Fiona Kemigisha, sharing her knowledge. On the panel, she emphasized the need for young people to actively and intentionally seek mentors, believing it is key to one’s growth in any industry, including the digital gig economy. For young people looking to thrive in the digital space but terrified of failure or experiencing imposter syndrome, Fiona offered words of encouragement and spoke to the need for a personal brand, which allows one to command/defend their rates while offering a service or doing any kind of work, be it graphic design, content strategy, etc. “You owe it to yourself and your clients to be an individual of excellence,” she remarked.
While our panel discussion was ongoing, the talented Fatumah Hassan, who prefers to let her work do the talking, live-painted a piece befitting the evening’s theme, focusing on the gig economy and its impact on young people. The vibrant artwork, primarily in black, yellow, and red (symbolizing the Ugandan flag), also featured symbolic signs such as a lightbulb, a chat/conversational pop-up like those from a smartphone, and a portrayal of a graduate donning a university gown. The painting captured the essence of the discussion and served as a visual representation of the current importance of complementing formal studies with side gigs in the digital economy to thrive. There was also a Q&A session, which was equally engaging, enabling both panelists and the audience to exchange ideas on the night’s theme.
Attendees were then ushered into another captivating segment of the night: a storytelling session heralded by Mr. Robert, the great African storyteller, who enthralled the audience with his narration of the legendary tale of the cunning hare—a story many grew up hearing. Accompanied by a traditional music ensemble, he skillfully brought the tale to life. His colleague played the flute, adding a melodious backdrop, while Shifurah later joined the pair on stage, infusing energy into the performance with a traditional dance from the Western region of Uganda. Their combined artistry provided a nostalgic yet profound reminder of the power of oral traditions in preserving culture and history.
The inaugural Night of Ideas culminated in a movie screening, further reinforcing the themes explored throughout the evening. The documentary aired focused on social media and how young people can protect themselves online, as well as the various opportunities available when used responsibly. The event surely set the stage for future editions of this futuristic night of ideas exchange.
The Night of Ideas happened, thanks to the leadership and support of the Alliance Française. They have opened their calendar for French classes; if you are interested, visit their website for more information or follow them @AFKampala on all social media platforms.
