The Vumbula Uganda Festival, one of Uganda’s leading cultural events, has been hailed by international and local leaders as a powerful symbol of the country’s cultural revival and creative energy. The praise came from diplomats including the Lisa Chesney, British High Commissioner to Uganda.
Held at the Ndere Cultural Centre, the festival celebrated Uganda’s heritage, music, art and storytelling. It attracted thousands of Ugandans and visitors from abroad, blending traditional cultural performances with modern artistic expression — from ancestral dance and rhythmic drumming to contemporary music and visual art displays.
A Platform for Culture and Youth Innovation
Chesney described Vumbula as more than just entertainment — calling it a “statement of identity” where young people reimagine and showcase their cultural roots for the modern world. The Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda also attended and praised the event for promoting cultural exchange and strengthening Uganda’s creative sector.
State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra, applauded the organisers for boosting domestic tourism and cultural pride, urging Ugandans to support initiatives that highlight local heritage.
More Than a Festival — A Cultural Movement
What began as a modest local celebration has grown into one of Uganda’s landmark cultural showcases, attracting people from different backgrounds. Organisers say the festival has become a dialogue between Uganda and the world, driven by culture, youth creativity and shared purpose.
The Vumbula Festival not only entertains but also promotes Uganda’s soft power and cultural identity on the regional stage — redefining how the world experiences the country through art, music and human connection rather than through conventional presentations.
Background context:
The 2025 edition celebrated the festival’s fifth anniversary and featured live performances, cultural showcases, drumming circles, art exhibitions, and tourism activations, drawing over 10,000 attendees and major sponsors including Uganda Waragi, MTN MoMo, Uganda Tourism Board, and the Ministry of Tourism.
