“Kibatu” delivers drama and intrigue in Ebonies–Aromatic collaboration

Fans expecting a double feature from the much-anticipated collaboration between The Ebonies and Aromatic Entertainment may have left slightly disappointed, it turned out to be a single production, Kibatu.

But what the show lacked in quantity, it more than made up for in quality. The audience at Theatre La Bonita in Kampala was thoroughly captivated, swept up in a rollercoaster of emotions—laughter, shock, and suspense, as they followed every twist and turn of the gripping storyline.

Kibatu centers on Mivule, a wealthy patriarch whose death leaves behind a sprawling business empire, and a trail of chaos. His sons, portrayed by Ahmed Lubowa and Sam Bagenda, spiral into bitter rivalry, vying for romantic attention and squandering company resources to impress their wives and girlfriends. Their feud ultimately drives the empire to ruin.

The plot thickens when a shocking revelation emerges: one of the brothers is not Mivule’s biological son. In a desperate bid to retain control of the family fortune, he turns to murder, eliminating anyone, relatives and employees alike, who knows the truth. The production skillfully blends drama, humor, and suspense, keeping the audience on edge throughout.

Sam Bagenda on stage with Aida Nalubega

Fans thrilled by the EBO Aroma, Ekibatu at Theater Labonita. PHOTOS: Moses Nsubuga

The cast, featuring Sam Bagenda, Eva Namulondo, Fauzia Nakiboneka, Ahmed Lubowa, Flavia Nampijja, Ann Kirabo, Aida Nalubega, and Conrad Yiga, made a bold artistic statement. Their dynamic performances brought the story to life, earning enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

Kibatu may not have been the double bill fans expected, but it delivered a spectacle rich in flair and emotion—more razzmatazz than rigid form, and all the more entertaining for it.