The long-awaited Kampala City Festival 2025, set to return after a seven-year break, has been rescheduled. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) announced on Thursday that the event, originally planned for Sunday, October 5, will now take place a week later on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki explained that the decision was made following government guidance to allow the city to fully prepare for Uganda’s 63rd Independence Day Celebrations, which Kampala will host on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
“Kampala is alive once again. The festival is more than just an event; it is a celebration of culture, innovation, and sustainability. We are glad to host it with full support from President Yoweri Museveni and Cabinet,” Ms. Buzeki told journalists.
Despite the date change, the programme and parade routes remain the same.
The main parade will start at Buganda Road, move through Kyagwe Road, Kampala Road, Jinja Road, and Wampewo Avenue, before ending at the Kololo Independence Grounds, which will be the central venue.
Kololo will be divided into seven themed zones to cater to the diverse interests of the public:
The Exhibitors Zone
A Christian Village
A Children’s Village
A Halal Village
A VIP Area
A Corporate Exhibition Zone
The Main Stage for entertainment and performances
Security agencies, including the Uganda Police, will deploy fully to ensure safety for residents and visitors.
Ms. Buzeki praised the enthusiasm shown during pre-festival activities, such as city walks and cycling events, which attracted participation from schools, market vendors, and civil society groups.
She also thanked corporate sponsors and partners for backing the return of the festival, calling for even more support to make the 2025 edition memorable.
“We invite all residents, visitors, and friends of Kampala to join us on October 12 at Kololo as we celebrate our city’s energy, culture, and innovation,” she added.
