Bakiga Nation Announces ‘Rukundo Egumeho – Nohiri Yeitu’ Christmas Festival for Kampala

By | December 10, 2025

BakigaNation has unveiled plans for its next edition of the Rukundo Egumeho – Nohiri Yeitu Christmas festival, promising a full Kigezi-style celebration in the heart of Kampala on December 14, 2025.

The organisers say the festival will recreate the nostalgic Christmas atmosphere many Bakiga remember from their childhood, with community gatherings, traditional food, music, storytelling and cultural expression forming the core of the day.

“This is the Christmas of our childhood — the drums, the carols, the stories, the community. We’re bringing it home to Kampala. This is 'Nohiri Yeitu'… our Christmas, celebrated our way,” said Owen Katwesigye Bigombe, team lead at Bakiga Nation.

A major highlight will be the Bakiga Nation Mass Choir performing Christmas carols in a Kikiga arrangement, which organisers describe as one of the most anticipated elements of the event.

The musical lineup will feature both cultural and contemporary artists, including Florence Musimenta, Lillian Nabaasa, Norman Shaaka, Lady Sarah, TPaul and the BakigaNation Cultural Troupe. Ugandan star Sheebah Karungi will appear as the festival’s guest artist for a special cultural-meets-mainstream performance.

Beyond music, the festival will include a cultural village installation, traditional storytelling sessions, Father Christmas appearances, Christmas giveaways, art and craft exhibitions, food stalls and a wide range of family and children’s activities.

Organisers say the event is designed as a return to roots — a space for families, friends and communities to reconnect around a shared cultural identity.

This year’s festival is supported by Pilsner Lager, Roke Telkom, Tents 4 U, Pacific Events, Sanyuka TV, AfroMobile, Next Music, Capital Radio and Black.

According to the organisers, the event stands out for being the biggest Kikiga Christmas cultural festival in the city, introducing the first full Christmas cultural village installation in Kampala and blending traditional experiences with a modern lineup.

BakigaNation is a community-based cultural organisation that brings together Bakiga living in Uganda and across the diaspora to celebrate, preserve and promote the heritage of Kigezi.

Formed more than a decade ago, it has grown into one of the most influential cultural collectives among young professionals, artists and entrepreneurs from southwestern Uganda.

The organisation is best known for its large-scale cultural events, charity drives, and community mobilisation activities, all centred on strengthening identity, unity and social responsibility.

Its vision is to preserve Bakiga culture, create platforms for cultural expression, support community development initiatives, and provide a space where Bakiga and friends of Kigezi can connect and celebrate their roots.

Event Details:

Related Topics

Related Stories

Latest Stories