Preparations for the long-awaited Kampala City Festival scheduled for tomorrow at Kololo Independence Grounds are in high gear, with organizers confirming that all is set for the grand celebration.
By this afternoon, the festival grounds were a hive of activity as VIP tents were being erected, exhibitors secured their spaces, and the children’s play area took shape with equipment being installed.
The main stage for musical performances was also nearly complete.
Kololo grounds have now been transformed into a colorful space, with different sections designated for children’s activities, exhibitors, vendors, Muslims for prayers, and cultural showcases.
Kampala Executive Director Sharifa Buzeki revealed that while Muslims will have their activities at Kololo, Christians and Catholics will converge at Hotel Africana for their prayers.
During a tour of the festival setup, Minister of State for Kampala Kyofatogabye Kabuye confirmed that preparations are now complete and encouraged residents to turn up in large numbers for tomorrow’s event.
According to Buzeki, the free-entry festival will kick off with a procession through city streets that will be closed off to motorists.
Official celebrations will begin at 11am with prayers, and free buses have been arranged to transport revelers from different parts of Kampala to Kololo.
This year’s festival will run under the theme “Culture, Innovation, and Sustainability.”
As part of the celebrations, children attending will receive fruit tree seedlings—including jackfruit, avocado, and mango—as a symbolic reminder to protect the environment and keep Kampala clean and green.
Minister Kyofatogabye added that KCCA will use the festival to engage residents on ongoing city programs such as building permit issuance, tax collection, and business license renewals.
Meanwhile, the head of the Muslim section, Hajji Nooh Mayambala, disclosed that ambassadors and guests from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco have been invited to share knowledge about Islamic culture and faith at the Halaal Village.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango assured residents of tight security, saying several meetings have been held with all security agencies to guarantee the safety of festivalgoers and their property.
Onyango also confirmed that some major roads will be closed to allow smooth pedestrian movement throughout the event.
Minister Kyofatogabye concluded by noting that this marks the revival of the Kampala City Festival, which will now become an annual event, with plans to extend its duration in the coming years.