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Ugandan stand-up comedian Dr. Hilary Okello has officially announced a global comedy tour titled “Jokes From Far Away,” setting a major milestone in Uganda’s entertainment industry. The announcement positions him as the first Ugandan comedian to formally embark on a structured world tour, taking local humour to audiences across several continents.
The tour, revealed through a bold promotional poster, shows Dr. Okello seated confidently with a microphone, surrounded by flags representing countries he plans to visit. According to the announcement, the tour will kick off in Africa, move on to Europe, and later head to North America, with other regions also expected to follow. Fans from around the world are being encouraged to request their cities to be added to the tour.
This move places Ugandan comedy on a global stage in a way never seen before, marking a defining moment not just for Dr. Okello, but for the country’s creative industry as a whole.
Which Countries Are Included in the “Jokes From Far Away” Tour?
From the flags displayed on the official tour artwork, the planned destinations span multiple continents.
African countries featured include:
Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Nigeria, and Malawi.
European destinations include:
The United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, and Sweden.
Other regions include:
The United States and Canada in North America, as well as Australia.
Beyond these confirmed destinations, Dr. Okello has invited fans and promoters to submit additional cities they would like included, signaling that the tour is still expanding and open to new markets.
Why Is This Tour Considered Historic for Uganda?
While Ugandan comedians have performed internationally before, none has announced a fully branded, continent-spanning world tour in the manner Dr. Okello has done. Even internationally acclaimed comedians such as Anne Kansiime have toured extensively, but not under a single, unified world-tour concept.
This makes “Jokes From Far Away” a pioneering effort — one that could redefine how Ugandan comedians position themselves on the global stage and inspire future performers to think beyond regional boundaries.
Who Is Dr. Hilary Okello?
Dr. Hilary Okello is one of Uganda’s most respected stand-up comedians, widely known for his intelligent, observational humour and polished stage presence. Before fully transitioning into comedy, he trained and worked as a medical clinician, a background that earned him the nickname “The Doctor of Comedy.”
Hillary is very unique, not your typical Ugandan comedian. Unlike the usual comedy we see making fun of entire groups of people which ends up offending others, this is high quality comedy.
He was born in Uganda and raised in Kampala, with roots in the Langi ethnic community. His upbringing, cultural experiences, and everyday Ugandan life heavily influence his comedic material, making it relatable both locally and internationally.
How Did His Comedy Journey Begin?
Dr. Okello’s professional comedy career gained momentum around 2017, when he emerged as a top finalist in a national comedy competition held at Theatre Labonita. This exposure introduced him to mainstream audiences and opened doors to major comedy platforms.
He went on to perform at leading comedy shows and festivals in Uganda and across East and Southern Africa. His ability to perform confidently in English helped him connect easily with audiences outside Uganda, laying the groundwork for his international ambitions.
What Are Some of His Major Achievements?
Over the years, Dr. Okello has staged multiple successful stand-up specials, including sold-out shows at the National Theatre in Kampala. He has appeared on television, contributed to comedy writing projects, and taken part in acting roles in regional productions.
Beyond personal success, he has played a role in growing the comedy industry by co-founding The Laughing Marabou Stork Comedy Club, a space dedicated to nurturing new comedic talent and providing consistent live comedy experiences in Kampala.
What Support Has He Received from Fellow Comedians?
Dr. Okello’s journey has been shaped by Uganda’s wider comedy community. Fellow comedians such as Anne Kansiime, Salvado, Sesa Bat, and others have helped elevate Ugandan comedy internationally, creating an environment where global ambitions are now possible.
While each has carved their own path, the support, collaboration, and trailblazing efforts of these comedians have made it easier for Dr. Okello to attempt something as bold as a world tour.
What Does This Tour Mean for Ugandan Comedy?
The “Jokes From Far Away” tour represents more than just personal success. It signals a shift in how Ugandan creatives view their potential reach. By taking Ugandan humour to global audiences under one unified tour, Dr. Hilary Okello is positioning himself as a cultural ambassador and opening doors for the next generation of comedians.
As preparations continue and more cities are added, the tour stands as a powerful statement: Ugandan comedy is ready for the world.
