PICTORIAL: Uganda International Fashion Week returns with record 100 models

The Grand Finale of the Uganda International Fashion Week last Saturday, October 5, 2026, at Kampala Serena didn't look like an event that had a six-year absence.

Right from the organization to the 100 models on the runway, everything looked so organized, all thanks to the incredible work done by the organizer, Santa Anzo of Arapapa.

Over 600 outfits from 12 designers were showcased, including some from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, India, and Zimbabwe. Some were seasoned designers, while some were just making their debut at a major fashion event. But the kids stole the show.

Ugandan designer Lincoln Axarya opened the showcase with his brand, AXARYA, presenting contemporary designs built around the idea that fashion can be both comfortable and beautiful.

Despite their different creative identities, the designers shared a strong appreciation for culture and sustainability, drawing inspiration from their heritage and incorporating locally available materials and traditional techniques into collections that blended heritage with contemporary fashion.

The response to the collections was equally telling. According to Anzo, all the designers had sold the pieces they presented on the runway, reflecting the growing appreciation for locally and regionally produced fashion.

Beyond the designs, the evening also reflected UIFW's commitment to inclusion. Persons with disabilities and refugees participated in different areas of the fashion week, including modelling, design, and photography, creating opportunities for a wider range of creatives to develop and showcase their skills.