Ugandas rolex is much more than a street food its a national treasure [Video]

When Ugandans refer to getting a rolex, they seldom mean an expensive Swiss watch. Rolex is a popular kind of street food, made famous in global media. It serves more than just a practical function as fast food, but has many cultural meanings that form part of the country’s national identity, and a ralling point for promoting social causes. These have been played out in Uganda’s media – which is the basis of a recent study of the meanings of a rolex in Uganda. We asked journalism and communication lecturer Ivan Lukanda about his research.

What is a rolex?

A rolex is a chapati (a flatbread made from dough) rolled around fried eggs to which have been added spices and vegetables. It’s usually cooked in a frying pan on a charcoal stove. It’s prepared on order and served very hot, usually in a paper wrapper, plastic bag, or plate.

The snack is common in Ugandan urban centres in …