By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has rescheduled the dates for this year’s City Festival, officials confirmed yesterday.
The announcement was made by the authority Executive Director Hajjati Sharifah Buzeki during a media briefing on Thursday.
“I would like to inform the general public, our sponsors, exhibitors, and city residents and those who are coming from beyond Kampala and beyond Uganda that the Kampala city festival has been shifted from 5th October to 12th October,” said Buzeki.
The postponement according to Buzeki follow guidance from the government to provide adequate preparation for the independence celebrations due on October 9, at Kololo Independence Grounds, venue which will also host the event.
Kampala City Festival was announced on August 4,and launched on August 6, 2025, at City Hall.
“I am excited to announce the return of the city celebrations,” said Buzeki. “I want you to mark the word celebration, not the other words you know,” ED Buzeki said at the annunciation of the festival. “It’s coming back. It’s going to be big. It’s going to be better this month,” Buzeki said.
First launched in 2012, the Kampala City Carnival was suspended in 2018 due to budgetary constraints and public health concerns. The return of the festival marks a renewed effort by KCCA re-energize Kampala’s cultural identity and civic pride.
The event will featuring christian day, children’s games, music performances, food stalls, and cultural showcases, one way of celebrating Kampala’s diversity, vibrancy and promoting local businesses.
Police spokesperson, ACP Kituuma Rusoke assured revelers of security, warning that police and sister security agencies will not tolerate any cases of criminality at the festival.
“There are people who carry handcuffs, or pepper spray. Sometimes when we make checks, these are some of the things we come across. So it is the role of security on such occasions to tell you ahead of time,” ACP Rusoke said.
He cautioned parents to ensure the safety of their children during the festivities and warned the public against falling victim to fraudulent schemes such as gold scams.
Meanwhile, Buzeki urged city residents to turn up in large numbers to support the celebrations and boost local businesses.
“We celebrate our nation our independence on the 9th and then return on the 12th October to celebrate the Kampala city.”
