Ugandan Rolex, commonly referred to as Rolex, is a popular food item in Uganda prepared by combining an egg omelette and vegetables wrapped in a chapati.[1][2] This single-portion dish is quick to prepare, and can be eaten at any time of the day, from breakfast to a lunch or supper meal or snack. The name "rolex" comes from its method of preparation, with the chapati and the omelette rolled together ("rolled eggs").[3][4]
This idea originated from a chapati seller's creativity in the Busoga region "the basoga" then the idea spread to Wandegeya next to Makerere University in Uganda, fueled by students who needed a quick meal because of time and budget limitations.[4][5]
The delicacy soon spread throughout Uganda. It became a popular food choice for its combination of convenience, low cost, and taste.[4][5]
Other terms and variations related to rolex include:
The globalization of the world is shaking even such traditional local products. In 2022, the price of a rolex rose sharply due to the Russo-Ukrainian War and its escalation of the prices of wheat flour and cooking oil.[6] Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni unpopularly suggested that the public stop complaining about the rising price and eat cassava instead.[7]
The rolex, which is sold for as low as USh 1,000/= (US$0.28), is largely consumed in urban areas as a fast food and has been promoted by authorities as a global tourist attraction.[8]