Kampala, Uganda — The vibrant streets of Uganda’s capital are set to come alive once again as the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) confirms the return of the highly anticipated Kampala City Festival, scheduled to climax in a citywide celebration on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing, KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki announced that the upcoming edition will be “bigger, better, and more inclusive,” under the theme: “Celebrating Kampala – Culture, Innovation and Sustainability.”
“This isn’t just a festival — it’s a homecoming,” Buzeki said. “A time for Kampala to reconnect with itself, its people, and its future.”
The 2025 festival will unfold over several days, featuring a blend of traditional culture and modern innovation. Activities lined up include cultural parades, live street performances, an innovation and tech expo, environmental campaigns, health awareness clinics, food fairs, and special activities for children.
The festivities will peak on October 5 with a citywide carnival, expected to attract thousands of participants from within Kampala and across the country.
Juliana Kaggwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, commended KCCA for reviving the event, noting its positive impact on the local economy and tourism.
“Kampala has long been known as the enjoyment capital of East Africa. Events like this do more than entertain — they showcase who we are as Ugandans,” Kaggwa said. “They boost business, build pride, and attract the kind of travellers who want to experience a city full of life and culture.”
Originally launched in 2012, the Kampala City Festival quickly gained popularity as Uganda’s largest street event, drawing crowds of up to three million people at its height. It was paused after 2017 to allow for reorganization and later replaced with smaller community-led initiatives.
Its revival in 2025 is seen as a key part of KCCA’s broader efforts to promote urban tourism, civic pride, and opportunities in the informal sector.
Buzeki emphasized that this year’s festival will reflect the evolving identity of Kampala as a modern, inclusive, and sustainable city. From high-tech showcases to grassroots entertainment, the event is designed to offer something for everyone, while celebrating the capital’s rich diversity and unshakable spirit.