Kampala has joined the global movement for sustainable fashion as the third edition of Eco Fashion Week Africa (EFWA) officially launched in the Ugandan capital, rallying designers, policymakers and fashion enthusiasts to embrace environmentally conscious practices and reduce textile waste.
The week-long event, taking place from November 1 to 8, seeks to promote circular fashion through a bold campaign dubbed No New Clothes. The initiative urges participants to rethink consumption by wearing, reusing, repairing, or swapping existing clothes instead of buying new ones, as a step toward building a more sustainable fashion culture.
Speaking at the launch held at the Emin Pasha Hotel & Spa, EFWA Co-Founder Ruth Anyango said the Kampala edition marks a milestone in the effort to create an inclusive movement that goes beyond runways.
“We involve everyone from producers and policymakers to everyday fashion lovers. Anyone who wears clothes has a role to play in protecting the planet,” she said.
Her counterpart Belinda Atieno, explained that the “No New Clothes” campaign is intended to redefine what fashion means in today’s world.
“Sustainability is not about sacrifice; it is about creativity. You can show up stylishly without producing or buying something new. Rent, borrow, recycle or swap that is the new statement of elegance,” she said.
The event features runway showcases, community dialogues and eco-markets highlighting garments made from recycled and repurposed materials. Local artisans and emerging designers including Green Amba, Crochet Savvy and Brenda At Handcrafts are presenting collections that merge innovation with environmental responsibility.
Organisers say the Kampala edition underscores Africa’s growing commitment to responsible production and consumption, aligning with global sustainability goals while celebrating the continent’s creative energy. Beyond the glamour, the event aims to spark public conversation about the environmental cost of fast fashion and inspire conscious dressing across Uganda.