By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Kampala, Uganda: In the heart of Kulambiro, a quiet suburb of Kampala, a new kind of space has been born — one that redefines what it means to own, love, and celebrate cars. Pharaoh Garage and Auto Spa is not just another auto care center; it is a vibrant fusion of innovation, identity, and African pride.
From the outside, it gleams with sophistication — modern architecture, clean lines, and the hum of precision machinery. But step inside, and you quickly realize this is more than a garage. It is an experience — a celebration of Africanness in all its beauty and depth.
A Sanctuary of African Spirit
At Pharaoh Garage and Auto Spa, every element is intentional. Beyond the state-of-the-art car services, visitors find themselves surrounded by the warmth of culture. A library filled with works by African authors invites visitors to reconnect with the wisdom and storytelling power of the continent. A barbecue restaurant fills the air with the aroma of grilled delights — food that brings people together in the spirit of community.
A bar with games and laughter reminds guests that joy is as essential to freedom as hard work. And then there’s the music — a soundtrack that is purely African, flowing from Afrobeat to traditional drumbeats, declaring with every rhythm: “Africa is alive here.”
“Shine Like Royalty” — The Vision of Pharaoh
For Henry Twahirwa, the Managing Director of Pharaoh Garage and Auto Spa, this space is both a business and a calling — a tribute to Africa’s enduring legacy of brilliance and dignity.
“To polish a car is, in a small but powerful way, to polish identity,” Twahirwa said at the launch. “Just as Pharaohs built monuments to remind people of who they were, Pharaoh Garage restores brilliance as a reflection of Africa’s spirit. When your car leaves here, it does not only shine with beauty — it carries with it a message: Africans are builders of wonder and authors of greatness.”
The garage’s tagline, “Shine Like Royalty,” captures this philosophy perfectly. Twahirwa believes that every service — whether detailing, paint correction, or repair — is an act of restoration, not just of machines but of pride and heritage.
“Our work is restoration not just of vehicles, but of dignity,” he added. “To drive away from Pharaoh Garage is to carry a piece of this heritage with you — to shine not just as an owner of a car, but as a child of royalty.”
Shell Uganda Joins the Journey
At the official launch, Shell Uganda joined in to celebrate this new venture, emphasizing the link between innovation, performance, and community empowerment.
Speaking on behalf of Shell Uganda, a company representative highlighted the partnership as a step toward bringing world-class automotive care closer to Ugandan motorists.
“At Shell Uganda, our commitment has always been to deliver world-class innovation, world-class performance, and world-class protection for every Ugandan motorist,” the representative said.
He introduced the Shell Helix Ultra Range, an advanced lubricant made from natural gas using Shell PurePlus Technology — a process that produces cleaner base oils for improved engine performance and durability.
“If you had a choice between drinking filtered muddy water or condensed distilled water, which would you pick? Naturally, distilled water. That’s the same difference between traditional base oils and our PurePlus base oils,” he explained.
With this partnership, motorists can now service their cars at Pharaoh Garage, enjoy a meal, and leave with the world’s best engine protection — all in one place.
“We’re bringing premium lubricants closer to the people, closer to the workshops, closer to the mechanics — because they are a critical part of our automotive ecosystem,” he added. “Together, we will continue to drive Uganda forward — one engine at a time.”
Healing Through Art and Expression
Beyond the mechanics and machines, Pharaoh Garage also embraces art and mental wellness. The site features an art exhibition, curated by Harrison Davis, who believes that art is a form of healing.
“Integrating art in this space speaks volumes,” Davis said. “Art can heal stress and remind people to pause, breathe, and reconnect. In a fast-paced world, especially among the working class, mental health is a growing concern. Here, art becomes therapy.”
Visitors are encouraged to explore the artwork, relax, and embrace the calm that creativity brings. The art space — much like the entire garage — serves as a remedy for the soul.
A Place to Experience Africa Anew
Pharaoh Garage and Auto Spa is not just a business venture; it is a movement of rediscovery. It invites Ugandans — and Africans at large — to celebrate who they are.
Through cars, books, food, music, and art, the space reawakens a truth long known but often forgotten: Africans are royalty, innovators, and storytellers.
As Henry Twahirwa summed it up:
“Every polish, every detail, every smile is a quiet proclamation — Africa, you are royalty. Your crown has always been yours.”
Pharaoh Garage and Auto Spa stands as a bold new symbol of excellence in Uganda — where every engine hums with pride, every wall whispers heritage, and every visitor leaves a little more in love with Africa.
Location: Kulambiro, Kampala
Services: Auto care, detailing, paint correction, restaurant, bar, art exhibition, African library
Tagline: Shine Like Royalty
