Uganda is set to showcase its cultural heritage internationally after a 16-member delegation confirmed participation in the 2026 Comoros Cultural Celebrations and Festival.
The week-long festival, scheduled for October 12 to 18, will bring together cultural groups from across Africa to celebrate the continent’s diverse traditions through music, dance, fashion and cultural exhibitions.
The Ugandan delegation will be led by cultural promoter Valentine Muhereza, popularly known as Kachaina, who said the event presents an opportunity to promote Uganda’s identity while strengthening cultural ties with other African countries.
“This is a great opportunity for Uganda to showcase the beauty of our culture to the rest of Africa. We want people to experience our music, dances, traditions and the hospitality that defines us as Ugandans,” Muhereza said.
He added that the festival goes beyond entertainment, providing a platform for cultural exchange and opportunities for artists.
“Culture unites people beyond borders. By participating in this festival, we are strengthening friendships with other African countries while creating opportunities for our artists and cultural ambassadors,” he said.
Organisers said the festival is expected to boost Uganda’s tourism profile by introducing international audiences to the country’s cultural diversity while creating networking opportunities for performers and cultural representatives.
However, preparations for the trip have been affected by financial and logistical challenges, with the delegation still seeking support to meet travel, accommodation and other operational costs.
“The biggest challenge at the moment is funding. We are still looking for support to facilitate transport, accommodation and other logistics, but we remain hopeful that we shall make it to Comoros,” Muhereza said.
He appealed to government and private sector players to support the delegation, saying their participation represents Uganda’s image beyond national borders.
“We are not only representing ourselves; we are carrying Uganda’s image and culture to the international stage,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the delegation remains optimistic that it will participate in the festival and use the platform to promote Uganda’s cultural heritage.
“We are determined to raise Uganda’s flag high. We believe that when we return, we shall have created new partnerships that will benefit our cultural and tourism sectors,” Muhereza said.
