British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, has praised the Vumbula Uganda Festival as a leading symbol of Uganda’s growing cultural renaissance, saying it showcases the country’s creativity, unity, and soft power on the global stage.
The festival, which concluded at Ndere Cultural Centre over the weekend, attracted thousands of revelers and international guests, blending traditional heritage with modern music and art to celebrate Uganda’s cultural diversity.
Chesney, who attended alongside the Netherlands Ambassador, described the event as a powerful display of national identity and youth innovation.
“Vumbula is not just entertainment, it’s a statement of identity,” she said. “It is a vibrant platform where Uganda’s youth reimagine their heritage for the modern world.”
The Dutch envoy also commended the initiative for fostering cross-cultural understanding, adding that Uganda’s creative industries could play a pivotal role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.
State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Martin Mugarra also applauded the festival, urging Ugandans to support homegrown cultural events. He thanked the organizers for promoting Uganda’s image through art, music, and storytelling.
Organizers of the festival, in a post-event statement, said the recognition from the diplomatic community affirms Vumbula’s mission to connect Uganda with the world through culture.
“Vumbula has become more than a festival it’s a dialogue between Uganda and the world, rooted in culture, powered by youth, and driven by purpose,” the statement read.
Now regarded as one of Uganda’s signature cultural showcases, the Vumbula Uganda Festival has evolved from a small local initiative into a major event on the regional creative calendar.
The three-day experience featured traditional dance, drum circles, craft markets, and electrifying performances, blending ancestral storytelling with contemporary expression.
As the lights dimmed at Ndere Cultural Centre, the consensus among diplomats, artists, and revelers was clear: Vumbula Uganda Festival has redefined how the world experiences Uganda through rhythm, art, and shared humanity.