As anticipation builds for the return of Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW) this June, organisers have unveiled a nationwide search for fresh runway talent through a model casting initiative dubbed Models For Impact.
The call targets aspiring and professional models from across Uganda and the wider region, positioning the opportunity as more than a chance to walk the runway, but as a platform for growth within Africa’s expanding creative economy.
The casting is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Makerere University Art Gallery, where industry professionals will scout for bold, confident, and driven individuals ready to contribute to the future of African fashion.
Open to young people, mainly women and girls aged 15–35, the initiative welcomes both newcomers and experienced models. In line with UIFW’s commitment to inclusivity, individuals from diverse backgrounds, including persons with disabilities and refugees, are encouraged to take part.
Organisers say the initiative aligns with the broader vision of Uganda International Fashion Week 2026, which returns after a six-year break with a renewed focus on strengthening Africa’s fashion ecosystem and empowering young creatives.
“Through Models for Impact, we are redefining the role of models, building a movement that nurtures individuals who create change, shape perception, and stand for something bigger than fashion.” Santa Anzo, founder Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW)
Established in 2003 by fashion entrepreneur Santa Anzo, Uganda International Fashion Week has grown into one of Africa’s most influential fashion platforms, linking designers and creatives to global opportunities.
This year’s edition will take place from June 22–27, 2026, at the Kampala Serena Hotel, forming part of a wider Creative Economy Program (2026–2028) aimed at equipping young people with practical skills, mentorship, and market access within the fashion and creative industries.
The program, supported by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented in partnership with the International Trade Centre and Bayimba Foundation, seeks to empower more than 9,800 youths aged 15–35, most of them women and girls, by creating pathways for employment and entrepreneurship along the fashion value chain.
Organisers describe the casting as a key entry point for young people interested in building careers in modelling and the broader creative sector.
“This is more than a casting,” Santa Anzo noted. “It is an opportunity for young people to become part of a movement that is positioning fashion not only as an art form, but as a powerful driver of economic opportunity and cultural expression.”
Successful applicants will get the chance to walk alongside some of Africa’s leading designers during Uganda International Fashion Week, gaining exposure, mentorship, and valuable industry connections.
Interested participants are encouraged to pre-register online via fashionweek.uifwglobal.com, as slots for the casting are limited.
The Models For Impact initiative signals the start of what organisers describe as an exciting journey for young creatives ready to step onto one of Africa’s most influential fashion stages.
