The Bayimba International Festival of the Arts will return for its 18th edition from August 28 to 30 at Lunkulu Island in Buikwe District, with organisers placing young women creatives at the heart of this year's programme.
The annual festival, which has grown into one of Uganda's leading arts and cultural events since its launch in 2008, will bring together more than 20 Ugandan and international artists for three days of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and cultural exchange.
This year's edition is being held under the CREATE – Enhancing Skills and Financial Inclusion for Young Women in the Creative Economy programme, an initiative designed to equip young women with practical skills, mentorship and access to markets within the creative industry.
Beyond sharing the stage with established performers, participants in the CREATE programme will receive career development support through mentorship from experienced industry professionals.
Organisers say participants will also be paired with some of Uganda's leading TikTok creators, digital influencers and content creators to gain practical knowledge on audience building, digital storytelling, content creation and transforming creative talent into sustainable businesses.
The festival is also expected to connect emerging creatives with promoters, venue operators, booking agents, cultural institutions and buyers, creating opportunities that extend well beyond the three-day event.
According to Bayimba Cultural Foundation Artistic Director Faisal Kiwewa, the festival has evolved into an important platform for nurturing talent and opening career pathways for young creatives.
"The festival is where the work becomes visible. Young women who have spent months building craft, discipline and enterprise step onto the same stages as established artists, and they meet the promoters, programmers and buyers who can turn that work into a career," Kiwewa said.
Festivalgoers can expect a diverse programme featuring live music performances, visual arts exhibitions, theatre productions, film screenings, cultural tourism experiences and creative symposiums.
The event will also host Every BODY Counts, an inclusive dance programme that celebrates diversity and accessibility within the performing arts.
In addition to the artistic showcases, attendees will participate in wellness activities, sports and dedicated mental health sessions aimed at promoting the holistic wellbeing of creatives and festival visitors.
Since relocating to Lunkulu Island in 2018, the Bayimba Festival has hosted some of Africa's and Uganda's most celebrated performers, including Alpha Blondy, Jose Chameleone, Sheebah Karungi, Maddox Sematimba, Spice Diana, GNL Zamba and King Saha.
Organisers say all CREATE programme showcases, training sessions and market-linkage opportunities will be offered free of charge, reflecting Bayimba's commitment to strengthening Uganda's creative economy and expanding opportunities for young women pursuing careers in the arts.
They believe the initiative will not only nurture artistic talent but also promote entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and long-term sustainability within Uganda's creative sector.
