Uganda International Fashion Week 2026 has unveiled 100 runway models selected to participate in this year’s edition of the annual fashion showcase slated for June 22 to 27 at Kampala Serena Hotel.
The unveiling ceremony, held at Makerere University Africa Hall, attracted fashion stakeholders, designers, creatives, models and enthusiasts eager to see the faces expected to headline this year’s runway presentations.
Held under the theme “Fashion for Impact,” the 2026 edition seeks to position fashion as a tool for economic empowerment, cultural exchange, innovation and sustainability across Africa.
The programme is supported by Mastercard Foundation and implemented in partnership with the International Trade Centre and Bayimba Foundation.
Organisers say the initiative is aimed at empowering young people aged between 15 and 35, particularly women and girls, through employment, entrepreneurship and skills development opportunities within the fashion industry.
Founded in 2003 by Santa Anzo, Uganda International Fashion Week has grown into one of Africa’s leading fashion platforms, linking designers, models and creatives to regional and international opportunities.
According to organisers, more than 300 aspiring models responded to a nationwide casting call announced in April. Following a vetting process, 100 finalists were selected to represent diversity, creativity and emerging talent within Uganda’s fashion industry.
The selected models, aged between 15 and 35, come from different cultural backgrounds in Uganda and other African countries including Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, Nigeria, Rwanda and Kenya.
Organisers also said inclusivity remains one of the core pillars of this year’s edition, with some of the selected models being refugees and persons living with disabilities, including individuals with hearing and speech impairments.
“I was very happy when I learnt that I had made it to the top 100,” said Victoria Adong. “I was timid during the vetting process and thought I stood no chance. I want to use this opportunity to grow my career and brand so that one day I can walk for an international fashion house like Zara.”
For the past four weeks, the models have been undergoing intensive training under runway coach Lincoln Axarya to improve their confidence, presentation and runway skills ahead of the showcase.
“Uganda’s fashion industry has come a long way, and there is great potential for it to become a bigger contributor to the country’s economy,” Axarya said. “The young people are incredibly gifted and unique in their own ways. We believe they are fully prepared to deliver one of the best runway showcases Uganda has seen.”
Speaking during the unveiling, UIFW founder Santa Anzo described the initiative as more than a runway event, saying it is a platform for transformation, empowerment and inclusion.
“Fashion is the second biggest employer in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Anzo said. “We want every fabric showcased to contribute to dignified employment and sustainable income. UIFW is about empowering communities through fashion while ensuring that no one is left behind, including refugees and persons with disabilities.”
She added: “We hope to transform the lives of 9,840 young people over the next three years through this initiative.”
Organisers say this year’s edition is expected to attract fashion enthusiasts, buyers, media personalities, creative entrepreneurs and international guests from across Africa and beyond, further positioning Uganda as an emerging hub for fashion, creativity and cultural exchange.