Kampala City Festival Postponed: What It Means for Residents & Celebrations
Kampala, Uganda The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has officially postponed this year’s Kampala City Festival from October 5 to October 12, citing consultations with security and stakeholder agencies.
Originally scheduled as part of pre-Independence Day celebrations, the festival’s shift allows the city to host official national events ahead of the public festivities. ▫ KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki emphasized that the rescheduling ensures both the festival’s success and coordination with national government programs.
What to Expect
The festival will commence with a grand procession starting from Buganda Road, passing Kyagwe, and culminating at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Alongside entertainment, the event will showcase KCCA’s beautification efforts, including tree planting along Nile Avenue and greening campaigns across the city.
Security agencies have laid out stringent measures: access control, regulated entry points, traffic diversions, and child safety protocols.
Impacts & Considerations
For vendors, performers, and organizers, this means adjusting logistics, scheduling, and budgets.
Residents and commuters must stay updated on transport plans, road closures, and timing changes—especially near Kololo and central Kampala.
Since many anticipated the festival as a unifying, celebratory moment, delays risk dampening public excitement or causing confusion.
What KCCA Must Do to Retain Public Confidence
Communicate changes clearly and broadly (radio, social media, billboards).
Provide updated maps, transport plans, and schedules ahead of time.
Offer support to local vendors whose outreach or investments rely heavily on festival timing.
Ensure that the final event delivers on expectations, with safety, accessibility, and variety.
As Kampala braces for yet another vibrant edition, all eyes will be on how smoothly the new date is delivered — and whether any further adjustments arise.
