Kampala is set to come alive once again with the return of the Kampala City Festival, one of the capital’s most anticipated cultural and economic events.
After years of dormancy, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officially relaunched the Kampala City Festival under a new and exciting edition.
The recent launch marked a renewed commitment to making the festival “bigger, better, and bolder,” signaling a vibrant new chapter for the event.
The Kampala City Festival has grown into a grand celebration of culture, innovation, creativity, and community spirit.
While it’s renowned for its vibrant entertainment and urban energy, the festival also plays a vital role in revitalizing city pride, boosting the local economy, promoting tourism, and strengthening social unity.
Its successful return sets the stage for future editions, reinforcing Kampala’s status as a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-looking capital.
Driving Economic Recovery and Business Opportunities
The festival’s comeback is expected to inject billions of shillings into the economy, offering a major boost for businesses across hospitality, transport, food, retail, entertainment, and creative industries.
Hotels, restaurants, bars, event planners, and vendors are likely to benefit from the crowds and consumer spending that the event generates.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially in the informal sector, will gain visibility and income opportunities through vendor stalls and showcases.
The event will serve as a powerful platform for product promotion, networking, and on-site sales, offering entrepreneurs a rare chance to connect directly with thousands of potential customers.
City Festivals Boost Tourism and Urban Branding
For Kampala’s tourism industry, the festival provides a timely platform to showcase the city as a modern, welcoming, and culturally rich destination.
The immersive experiences from cultural parades to music and food will highlight the diversity and creativity of Uganda’s capital.
The 2025 edition comes at a time when Uganda’s tourism sector is regaining momentum, and the festival is expected to complement ongoing efforts to attract both domestic and international tourists.
Fostering Unity and Celebrating Progress
According to the KCCA Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, the festival is more than just a fun event it is a moment to reflect on Kampala’s progress and to renew citizens’ commitment to making the city more livable, inclusive, and vibrant.
“This will be a celebration of our culture, innovation, creativity, and community spirit. It’s not just about fun, it’s about coming together as a city, recognizing how far we’ve come, and renewing our collective commitment to building a cleaner and livable Kampala,” Buzeki shared in her official statement ahead of the launch.
She also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support extended to the capital city by H.E Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, State Minister Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, Head of Public Service Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, as well as the City Political Leadership and dedicated KCCA staff.
Revenue to Support Urban Development
KCCA expects the festival to generate significant funds from sponsorships, partnerships, and vendor participation revenues that will support ongoing urban development programs in sanitation, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and public services.
The event therefore stands not only as a celebration but also as a means of sustaining improvements across Kampala.
As the city prepares for the official festival launch on August 6, excitement is mounting. The return of the Kampala City Festival will mark a renewed chapter for the capital, celebrating what it means to be part of Kampala, while collectively working towards a cleaner, smarter, and more livable city.
