Cakes, celebrities and family fun take centre stage at Kampala cake fair

The sweet smell of freshly baked cakes, colourful icing, excited children and friendly competition turned the UMA Show Grounds in Lugogo into a celebration of baking and family entertainment over the weekend, as the Kampala Cake Fair brought together cake lovers, bakers and entertainment personalities.

Held under the theme “From Passion to Profit: Building the Future of Baking,” the fair offered more than an opportunity to indulge in sweet treats. It also created a platform for bakers to showcase their creativity, learn business skills and explore opportunities in Uganda’s growing baking industry.

Organised by Cake Shop Uganda, the event blended food, mentorship and entertainment, drawing attention to the possibilities of turning a passion for baking into a sustainable business.

Several cakes were on display at the Cake fair. (credits: Ranell Nsereko)

For visitors, however, one of the biggest attractions was the opportunity to sample a variety of cakes, watch live competitions and enjoy a day out with family and friends.

The celebrity bake-off was among the weekend’s highlights, bringing together media personalities Doreen Nasasira, musician Sarah Zawedde, content creators Methia Lydia Nabawanda and Stuart Joseph Senoga, popularly known as Osmosis.

The four contestants were challenged to decorate cakes within a strict five-minute time limit, testing their creativity, speed and ability to work under pressure.

With colourful icing and decorating tools at their disposal, the celebrities had to transform plain cakes into attractive creations while supporters cheered them on. The short time limit added to the excitement, although it also proved challenging for the contestants.

Zawedde even questioned whether the organisers would extend the time after struggling to complete her design, but the five-minute challenge remained in place.

When the judges announced the results, Methia emerged as the overall winner. Her cake stood out for its neat piping and the harmonious combination of blue and yellow, which gave the design an appealing finish.

“I watch a lot of tutorials online and I think they have paid off,” Methia said, suggesting that learning through online content had helped sharpen her decorating skills.

Beyond the celebrity contest, the fair featured baking competitions and activities designed to engage different age groups, reinforcing its appeal as both an industry gathering and a family outing.

Children had their own space to enjoy the day, with a play area featuring games, toys and face painting. The activities gave younger visitors something to look forward to while parents explored the stalls and entertainment on offer.

Yet behind the colourful displays and playful competitions was a serious conversation about the business of baking.

The fair’s mentorship and business-focused activities sought to equip bakers with practical knowledge to help them grow their enterprises. For many people who begin baking from home, turning the skill into a profitable business requires more than producing an attractive cake. Pricing, managing expenses, understanding customers and investing in equipment can determine whether a small venture grows or struggles.

Bakers were equipped with practical knowledge on how to grow their businesses. (Credits: Ranell Nsereko)

Through its focus on mentorship and industry connections, the fair highlighted the need to support both established professionals and emerging bakers as they navigate the market.

The presence of baking equipment suppliers and other industry players also created opportunities for participants to discover products, techniques and tools that could improve their work.

For home bakers and aspiring entrepreneurs, such platforms can offer exposure, inspiration and a chance to learn from others in the trade.

Now in its third edition, the Kampala Cake Fair has increasingly positioned itself as a meeting point for the baking industry and the public, bringing together the commercial side of cakes with the pleasure and entertainment associated with them.

Its appeal lies in that combination, while bakers seek knowledge, visibility and business opportunities, visitors come for the flavors, creativity and shared experiences.

Becky Cakes - ‘Bakers Must Think Beyond the Oven’

For Rebecca Kenyena, popularly known as Becky Cakes, the Kampala Cake Fair and Bakers Conference was more than a celebration of cakes and pastries but an opportunity to unite bakers, exchange knowledge and push for a more organised and competitive baking industry in Uganda.

A sizeable number of people attended the cake fair. ( Credits: Ranell Nsereko)

“As the founder of BeckyBakes, I want to see Uganda’s baking industry grow into a professional and competitive sector that creates opportunities for both established and upcoming bakers. The Cake Fair was about bringing people together, strengthening relationships and reminding ourselves that there is room for all of us to succeed.

“We wanted to create an environment where bakers could learn from one another, showcase their work and appreciate the diversity of talent within our industry. When we collaborate instead of competing against one another in unhealthy ways, we create room for everyone to grow.

“Baking is much bigger than making cakes and pastries. It is a business that can create employment and open doors in teaching, consultancy, product development, content creation, equipment and ingredient supply, event partnerships and business development. Baking competitions also give bakers a platform to challenge themselves, improve their skills and gain recognition.

“However, talent alone is not enough. Bakers must invest in learning, discipline, business management, branding and customer service. You may know how to make an excellent cake, but you must also understand how to price your products, manage your expenses and build a sustainable business around your skill.

“Having previously attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest baking marathon through a 100-hour bake-a-thon, I understand the importance of ambition, preparation and perseverance.

The event also featured musical entertainment, with mixes by Linus Tats adding to the festive atmosphere.