On March 10, 2025, the Beefeater Women’s Day Cocktail transformed Naguru Skyz Hotel into a dynamic hub of celebration, inspiration, and empowerment, in honor of International Women’s Day. The exclusive, invite-only event, organized by Talent Africa Group, brought together a diverse and powerful group of women who have made significant strides across various fields, including entertainment, business, politics, media, arts, tourism, and corporate leadership.
A Vibrant Evening of Celebration and Reflection
The event embodied the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,” creating a space for women to reflect on their journeys, honor their achievements, and discuss the challenges they continue to face. Guests arrived in elegant attire, many sporting vibrant orange accents, symbolizing hope and the collective call for a more inclusive and equal future.
Sylvia Namutebi Allibhai, Director at Talent Africa Group and former beauty queen, served as the host, setting a powerful tone with her opening remarks: “Your voice matters, your story matters, and your dreams matter.” This message of empowerment resonated throughout the evening, establishing a deep sense of solidarity among the attendees.
Trailblazing Women Share Their Insights
A key highlight of the evening was the panel discussions, featuring influential women who have made remarkable contributions to their industries. Lilly Ajarova, CEO of Uganda Tourism Board and Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism, shared her insights on leadership, while Hon. Rachel Magoola, Member of Parliament and Afrigo Band singer, discussed her journey balancing politics and music.
Other standout panelists included Halima Namakula, a celebrated musician and entrepreneur, Joanita Kawalya, a renowned singer and women’s rights advocate, and Anne Kansiime, the comedian and actress who’s known for breaking barriers in the entertainment industry. The Women in Business panel, supported by Entrepreneurs’ Organization Uganda (EO Uganda), also spotlighted the incredible contributions of female leaders in business.
Culture, Entertainment, and Fashion
The evening wasn’t just about deep discussions—it was also a celebration of Ugandan culture and talent. Jackie Chandiru brought the house down with her powerful performance, while Dance with Valentino showcased a stunning dance routine. Lilian Mbabazi, Nina Roz, Lydia Jazmine, and Rachael K added to the vibrant energy with their presence, joining the festivities and soaking in the creative atmosphere.
Dancers like Rita Dancehall, Dance Mamweta, and Cathy Patra lit up the stage, while beauty queens—including current Miss Uganda Natasha Nyonyonzi—added a touch of glamour, mingling with past titleholders.
For those with a taste for fashion, Fix by Oringa, Queen Ma, and Gosh Glam set up chic pop-up shops, allowing guests to shop for trendy fashion and beauty items. This fun, interactive aspect added another layer of excitement to the evening, blending shopping with inspiration.
A Tradition of Empowerment and Progress
The Beefeater Women’s Day Cocktail has quickly become an anticipated annual event, providing a platform for women to celebrate their victories, engage in meaningful conversations, and push forward the agenda for gender equality. The Talent Africa Group, EO Uganda, Protea Naguru Skyz Hotel, and Beefeater Gin were key partners in making this year’s event a resounding success.
As this tradition grows, it continues to be more than just an evening of celebration. It’s a space where women come together to lift each other up, create new opportunities for collaboration, and plant the seeds of lasting change—one orange-accented outfit at a time.
