Kampala — MANY got it wrong when Nakasongola Army SSS advertised an adaptation of Wole Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel in the very simplistic title of Sugar Coated Love. The title gives the wrong impression of something amateurish.

Yet this production ranked high among school productions. It is the story of the jewel of Ilunjule, the village belle called Sidi (Lilian Tabaigwa). Courted by a falsely-educated teacher Lakunle (Edward Kimwa), Sidi demands her brideprice and not the mere rattling nonsense from clowning Lakunle.

Then comes Baroka, the lustful chief (impeccably acted by Sadiq Musa). He wants to take an eleventh wife and his focus is on Sidi.

Through trickery, she ends up supping with the old chief. She becomes his 'meal', with dire consequences; losing virginity and getting HIV/AIDS.

The play will be staged in several secondary schools countrywide with the support of the UPDF.