Ent. & Lifestyle
Uganda International Fashion Week 2026 starts at UMA Show Grounds
The Fashion showcase brought together creatives, businesses, development partners and buyers to examine how Uganda’s growing creative talent can be connected to markets and turned into sustainable livelihoods.
Models on the runway during the Uganda International Fashion Week at UMA Multipurpose Hall. (Photo by Ignatius Kamya)
By: Ignatius Kamya, Journalist @New Vision
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The Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW) got off to a strong start upon its return after a six-year absence.
UMA multipurpose hall was a fashion haven on Sunday, August 30, 2026, as the Santa Anzo team gave us a sneak peek of what to expect this weekend.
Models on the runway during the Uganda International Fashion Week at UMA Multipurpose Hall. (Photo by Ignatius Kamya)
The Fashion showcase brought together creatives, businesses, development partners and buyers to examine how Uganda’s growing creative talent can be connected to markets and turned into sustainable livelihoods.
Santa Anzo, the founder of UIFW and lead designer at Arapapa Fashion House, pointed to the need to turn Uganda’s abundance of talent into careers. “We have lots of talent in Uganda, but the challenge is connecting and changing them (talents) into employment opportunities as well as jobs for the youth,’’ she said.
Santa Anzo, the founder of UIFW and lead designer at Arapapa Fashion House, pointed to the need to turn Uganda’s abundance of talent into careers. “We have lots of talent in Uganda, but the challenge is connecting and changing them (talents) into employment opportunities as well as jobs for the youth,’’ she said.
Santa Anzo, the founder of UIFW, addressing creatives. (Photo by Ignatius Kamya)
Anzo said the Fashion and Business Expo was created partly to address that gap by giving young creatives access to potential buyers, markets, mentors and business partners while allowing them to gain practical experience beyond the classroom.
Daniel Kazibwe, aka Ragga Dee, the head of the creative sector at GROW, urged the women participating in the programme. He further pointed to the employment potential within the sector, saying that Uganda’s fashion industry is growing and has the potential to reach international levels.
He encouraged young creatives to walk with confidence.
The much-anticipated grand finale of the fashion week will take place this Saturday, September 5th, at Kampala Serena Hotel.
Daniel Kazibwe, aka Ragga Dee, the head of the creative sector at GROW, urged the women participating in the programme. He further pointed to the employment potential within the sector, saying that Uganda’s fashion industry is growing and has the potential to reach international levels.
Ragga Dee addressing creatives. (Photo by Ignatius Kamya)
He encouraged young creatives to walk with confidence.
The much-anticipated grand finale of the fashion week will take place this Saturday, September 5th, at Kampala Serena Hotel.