Kampala festival returns after eight-year hiatus, carnival-style celebrations dumped

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The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has relaunched the Kampala City Festival 2025, igniting excitement among dwellers.

The launch of the festival, which is returning after an eight-year hiatus, was launched at Mayor's Gardens at City Hall on August 6, 2025, and gathered several government officials, cultural leaders, sponsors, and residents.

Scheduled for 5th October 2025, the festival will run under the theme “Celebrating Kampala: Culture, Innovation and Sustainability”. The event is set to deliver a renewed experience—bigger, more purposeful, and inclusive of all aspects of city life. 

Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs during the launch of Kampala City Festival at City Hall on August 6, 2025. (Photo by Mary Kansiime)

KCCA executive director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki said the festival marks a time of reflection and renewal for Kampala, whose residents have long yearned for a vibrant space to reconnect with their city.

“After a number of years, we are proud to bring the people of Kampala together again,” Buzeki said. “This festival is not just about fun. It is about showcasing our resilience, our culture and our shared vision for a better, united Kampala.”

No carnival

However, this year’s edition will distance itself from the carnival-style identity of previous festivals. Sheila Birungi, the chairperson of the organising committee and director of gender, community services and production at KCCA, was clear about this new direction.

“This is not a carnival—it is a festival, deliberately designed to highlight Kampala’s cultural wealth, foster innovation and promote sustainability,” she said.

The festival will kick off with a city-wide morning procession, where political leaders, companies, schools, religious bodies and cultural institutions will take part in a parade through Kampala’s streets.

This will culminate at Kololo Independence Grounds, which will transform into a lively arena featuring live music, dance, food courts, exhibitions, fashion, and storytelling. It will be a day of unity, colour, and celebration—one that invites every resident to proudly say, “This is my city.”

Activities leading to the final day

According to KCCA, ahead of the main day, several pre-festival community activities will be held, including tree planting, restoration of green spaces, flower garden installations, urban agriculture demonstrations, and free medical camps. KCCA will also launch a “No Litter Week” to promote urban cleanliness and a sense of shared responsibility among residents.

“This festival is more than symbolic,” Birungi said. “It offers concrete opportunities for the people of Kampala to shape and improve their city, from health and environment to business and culture.”

(L-R) Benon Moses Kigenyi Deputy Executive Director Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Kabuye Kyofatogabye, State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Alex Kwizera Painter and Illustrator, Hajat Sharifah Buzeki Executive Director Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Juliana Kagwa Chief Executive Officer Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) during the official launch of the festival. (Photo by Mary Kansiime)

The event has already garnered widespread support from sponsors and partners. Buzeki reported that 90% of those invited have committed to supporting the festival. Private companies will enjoy branding opportunities across the festival route and stages, with different sponsorship packages designed to suit large and small enterprises alike.

Kampala affairs state minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye praised the initiative, noting that the city serves as Uganda’s heart of tourism and economic activity.

“This festival is expected to attract hundreds of thousands—if not a million—visitors from Uganda and abroad. It’s a celebration of who we are as a people and a reminder of the unity that binds us,” he said.

The festival also links to National Independence Week and follows the recent Kabaka Coronation celebrations, giving it added significance in the country’s cultural calendar.

Economic impact

Uganda Tourism Board chief executive officer Juliana Kagwa emphasised the economic impact of the event.

“We are looking at this festival not just as a celebration but as a platform to grow tourism’s contribution to GDP, create jobs, and foster sustainable development,” she said.

Robert Sserwanga Ssalongo, Buganda kingdom’s minister for youth, sports and arts, hailed the festival as a vehicle for restoring joy in the city. “People expect a lot from Kampala. Come 5th October, we must choose happiness,” he said.

After its last edition in 2017, the festival was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, eight years later, it returns with fresh energy and vision, according to the 2025 chairman, Birungi.