For a city that constantly moves from one headline to another, Friday night at Old Tymerz Ntinda offered Kampala something different. Instead of loud distractions and shallow small talk, Gilbey’s Hangouts created a space where people relaxed, laughed, argued, and most importantly, spoke honestly about the realities of modern relationships.
The fourth edition of Gilbey’s Hangouts arrived at the perfect time. Kampala had just endured another exhausting week filled with political drama, endless social media debates, and nonstop public conversations. As the workday came to an end, revelers slowly made their way into Old Tymerz Ntinda searching for something lighter. However, what they found was more than just another nightlife event. They found an atmosphere that encouraged real human connection.
From the moment guests arrived, the mood felt intentionally relaxed. Gilbey’s signature cocktails flowed early into the evening, helping people settle in naturally without forcing energy or excitement. Instead of rushing the night, revelers eased into conversations while reconnecting with friends and meeting new people across the venue. That calm beginning later became the foundation for one of the most animated nights the hangout series has hosted so far.
Meanwhile, the music quietly shaped the emotional rhythm of the evening. In-house DJs carefully blended timeless classics with nostalgic East African hits from the early 2000s, creating a soundtrack that instantly transported many revelers back to their younger years. Every set seemed to unlock a different memory inside the crowd. Then came one of the night’s defining moments when You To Me Are Everything by The Real Thing played through the speakers. Almost immediately, voices rose across the venue as groups of friends sang along word for word.
At the same time, classic tracks associated with Ogopa Deejays triggered another wave of nostalgia. People who had spent years hearing those songs in taxis, school discos, bars, and campus parties suddenly found themselves reliving those moments together again. Instead of remaining background entertainment, the music became part of the storytelling happening throughout the night.
As expected, host Ronnie McVex carried the evening with humor, confidence, and the kind of relatability that immediately puts crowds at ease. He moved effortlessly between trivia sessions, crowd interactions, and topical discussions while keeping the atmosphere playful and energetic. One moment he challenged attendees on current affairs and trending conversations dominating Uganda’s social spaces. The next moment he guided first timers through different ways of enjoying Gilbey’s cocktails, making even strangers feel included in the experience.
Still, the real turning point arrived when the night’s central discussion topic entered the room. What initially sounded like a playful question quickly transformed into a full-scale relationship debate that captured nearly everyone’s attention.
“Can you publicly introduce your side partner?”
The question immediately divided the crowd. Conversations that had started quietly around tables suddenly became louder, more emotional, and far more personal. Men and women from different corners of the venue confidently defended opposing opinions while others simply watched in amusement as the debate intensified.
Some male attendees argued that publicly introducing side partners creates unnecessary confusion and emotional chaos. According to them, discretion protects everyone involved and avoids avoidable drama. However, other men strongly disagreed. They insisted honesty matters regardless of how uncomfortable the truth may appear.
On the other hand, many women in attendance challenged attempts to normalize such behavior altogether. Several argued that people should accept responsibility for the emotional damage that often follows complicated relationships. One woman boldly stated that anyone who knowingly accepts the role of a side partner should also prepare for outcomes that may not always end in their favor. Yet even that statement sparked immediate resistance from other women nearby, who pushed back against placing blame entirely on women whenever relationships become messy.
What made the conversation remarkable was not simply the topic itself, but the honesty behind every response. Nobody sounded rehearsed. Nobody tried to deliver politically correct answers. Instead, revelers openly confronted uncomfortable realities about trust, loyalty, modern dating, and emotional accountability. Kampala nightlife rarely pauses long enough for such vulnerable public conversations, yet Gilbey’s Hangouts managed to make that openness feel natural rather than forced.
Even as opinions clashed, the atmosphere never lost its warmth. People laughed between arguments, toasted cocktails after disagreements, and continued dancing long after debates ended. That balance between entertainment and authenticity continues to define Gilbey’s Hangouts under its Made for Real Moments campaign. Rather than creating staged experiences, the event focuses on building environments where people feel comfortable enough to express themselves honestly.
As the evening progressed, revelers walked away carrying Gilbey’s branded giveaways including hoodies, bucket hats, and T-shirts. However, many also left carrying conversations that would likely continue long after Friday night ended. For some attendees, the debate simply entertained them. For others, it forced reflection about relationships, honesty, and the complicated social dynamics many people privately navigate every day.
Speaking after the event, Gilbey’s Brand Manager Raymond Karama explained that the continued success of the hangouts reflects a growing need for genuine social interaction in modern urban life. He noted that despite busy schedules and constant distractions, people still crave spaces where they can connect naturally, laugh freely, and engage in meaningful conversations without pressure.
That reality became impossible to ignore throughout the night at Old Tymerz Ntinda. Beneath the cocktails, music, and entertainment, Gilbey’s Hangouts delivered something Kampala audiences increasingly value — real moments with real people.
With the next edition already scheduled for Friday at the same venue, one question now remains. What conversation could possibly top this one?
