The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has rescheduled the Kampala City Festival 2025 from October 5 to October 12, citing preparations for Uganda’s 63rd Independence Day celebrations.
KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki announced the change during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday. She said the adjustment would allow both the Independence Day event on October 9 and the festival to be organized with full attention.
“Independence Day is a key moment for our country, and Kampala, as the capital, must provide the right atmosphere for it to be celebrated smoothly. Shifting the festival date gives us sufficient time to finalize logistical and technical arrangements for both occasions without compromising standards,” Buzeki explained.
The festival, returning after years of absence, will take place at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds under the theme Innovation, Culture, and Sustainability. The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, will officiate as chief guest.
The celebrations will begin with a grand procession through Kampala before opening into activity zones, including the Main Stage, Wainchi Stage, Halal Village, Christian Stage, and a Children’s Zone.
In the buildup, KCCA has organized pre-festival activities such as tree planting under the Greening Kampala campaign, a citywide clean-up, solidarity visits to orphanages, urban farming demonstrations, and free health camps that reached over 7,000 people.
“These activities are already igniting the festival spirit. The festival is not simply a one-day occasion; it embodies shared pride in our city,” Buzeki said.
The Uganda Police has pledged tight security during the event. Police Spokesperson Kituma Rusoke confirmed that officers will be deployed along the procession routes, inside Kololo, and across all festival zones.
“We are fully ready to safeguard the festival. Both residents and visitors can participate with confidence, knowing their security is well assured,” Rusoke stated.
Known as East Africa’s biggest street celebration, the Kampala City Festival is expected to attract tens of thousands of revellers, traders, cultural performers, and exhibitors. Organisers say the festival will not only showcase creativity and diversity but also stimulate economic activity for vendors and local enterprises.
“The date may have shifted, but the spirit of the Kampala City Festival remains unchanged. On October 12, Kampala will showcase its diversity, resilience, and creativity. Together, we shall make it a celebration to remember,” Buzeki said.
With preparations in top gear and security guaranteed, Kololo will host what is expected to be one of Kampala’s biggest cultural and social events of the year.
