“To have a comeback, you have to have a setback.” The story of the person behind that amazing quote may be for another day, but the one of the comeback of the biggest festival in Kampala cannot go unmentioned.
After announcing the news of its return on Monday, the Kampala Capital City Authority has today officially launched the Kampala City Festival, promising a big comeback after an eight-year hiatus.
The 8th edition of the Kampala City Festival will take place on Sunday October 05,2025 ahead of the 63rd Independence anniversary of Uganda held under the theme: “Celebrating Kampala, Culture, Innovation, and Sustainability.”
The theme of this year’s Festival draws inspiration from UN Sustainable Development Goal 11,which calls for cities and human settlements to be inclusive,safe,resilient, and sustainable according to the City Authority.
The main celebrations will happen at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. The entire festival will generally aim to celebrate cultural diversity, boost community cohesion,promote innovation,stimulate local businesses and improve the city’s image.
While speaking at the launch of the festival at City Hall,the KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki said:
“A city like no other.
Kampala brings the joy, the vibe, the warmth and now, the festival. It’s a full celebration of culture, innovation, and the energy that makes Kampala number one.”
“Kampala,this is your moment.
From innovation expos to health camps,music to food fairs,this festival is your chance to reconnect with your city and celebrate everything that makes Kampala move.”
The Kampala City Festival was initiated 2012. It is an event that brought together different residents in and outside Kampala in one event to celebrate their City, culture and Uganda’s Independence irrespective of language, background, social status,creed or political alignment.The festival was last held in 2017.
