The sudden closure of popular hangout The Gardens Najjera was not merely a “new chapter,” as portrayed in its public farewell message, but the result of a shocking internal fallout that left two of its owners blindsided and facing eviction.
TrumpetNewshas established that the celebrated food, bar and party venue was quietly sold without the knowledge of two of its three partners, triggering panic after they were served with an eviction notice informing them that the premises had a new owner.
The Gardens Najjera is jointly owned by Ronald Khamasi, Peter Kahindi and Mark Kaheru.
Sources familiar with the matter say Kahindi and Kaheru were stunned to discover that their business home had changed hands, only to later learn that the transaction had allegedly been executed by their third partner without their consent.
It remains unclear whether the partner who carried out the sale was a majority shareholder or whether the move complied with the company’s ownership and governance arrangements.
What is clear is that the revelation effectively sealed the fate of the establishment, forcing an abrupt shutdown of a venue many patrons believed was still thriving.
The shocking developments sharply contrast with the emotional statement released by The Gardens Najjera on social media, in which management announced that the business would close on January 25, 2026.
In the message, the venue described the decision as difficult but framed it as a celebratory transition rather than the outcome of a bitter ownership dispute.
“After many incredible years of serving you, we’re stepping into a brand new chapter and closing our business on 25 January 2026,” the statement read, thanking customers for their loyalty, smiles and shared memories.
To many regulars, especially those aged 40 and above, The Gardens Najjera was more than a bar.
Its old-school music, friendly alcohol prices and themed events created a sense of belonging rarely found in Kampala’s nightlife.
The monthly Meat Carnival, where revelers sampled a wide variety of meats at affordable prices, became a signature experience that cemented the venue’s reputation as a home away from home.
As of now, neither the partners involved nor management have publicly addressed the reported sale or the eviction notice.
It also remains unknown what legal or commercial action the aggrieved parties may pursue.
For now, what remains is a cloud of unanswered questions, as patrons come to terms with the reality that behind the warm goodbye lies a story of alleged betrayal that ultimately brought down one of Najjera’s most beloved social spots.
