KAMPALA– Passengers at Kisenyi Bus Terminal yestardy received a pleasant surprise as Coca-Cola Uganda, through its popular Share a Coke campaign, distributed free sodas to travelers heading to various destinations in western Uganda, including Mbarara, Kabale and Kisoro.
The surprise gesture brought excitement and cheer to the terminal, turning ordinary journeys into memorable experiences.
The unexpected giveaway came in the form of Coca-Cola bottles labelled with random Ugandan names, sparking smiles, laughter, and heartfelt reactions from passengers who never expected such a treat as they prepared for long journeys.
As one of the buses bound for Mbarara filled up, a group of young women preparing to board was thrilled when a Coca-Cola team walked in carrying red crates packed with sodas.
“I thought they were coming to sell, but when they said it’s free, I almost screamed,” said Sheila Komuhangi, a university student traveling to Bushenyi. “Then I saw the name on my bottle‘Anita.’ It’s not mine, but it felt like it was meant for me.”
Just a few rows ahead, a father of three, Jackson Mwesigwa, was visibly moved as he shared his soda with his son.
“This is the kind of thing we only see in adverts,” he said. “Now it’s happening to us. And to have names like ours on the bottles? That’s respect!”
Abdnuru Kajibwami, who works at the bus terminal, praised the initiative of having people’s names on Coca-Cola bottles, saying it made the brand feel more connected to ordinary Ugandans. He noted that while most products often feature only celebrity names like Messi and Ronaldo, Coca-Cola chose to recognize everyday people.
“When I saw the first bottle with someone’s name, I was curious and checked the others and indeed, they all had names. I felt excited to see local names on the bottles. It showed me that Coke is truly working for its people and giving back in a meaningful way,” he said.
Inside another bus headed to Kisoro, the mood was equally jubilant. Passengers began reading the names on their bottles aloud, sparking instant conversations with strangers seated nearby.
“This bottle says ‘Patrick’ that’s my brother’s name!” exclaimed Lydia Namara. “I’m going to give it to him when I get home. He won’t believe it.”
“I got ‘Brian,’ but I’m Eunice,” said Eunice Akello jokingly. “I’m going to keep this one and find Brian to share it with!”
Bus conductors and operators also joined in the excitement. One operator identified as Moses, expressed his appreciation.
“This shows that Coca-Cola values the common Ugandan. It’s not just about celebrities; these are names we see every day. It’s beautiful.”
About Share a Coke campaign
Share a Coke campaign, involves replacing the company’s logo on bottles and cans with popular names, nicknames, and fun phrases. The goal is to create a personal connection between consumers and the brand, encouraging them to share these personalized drinks with friends and family. The campaign has been a global success, with Coca-Cola expanding it to over 120 countries.
