The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has set a new date for the much-awaited Kampala City Festival 2025, moving it from October 5 to October 12.
According to KCCA, the adjustment is intended to allow smooth preparations for Uganda’s 63rd Independence Day on October 9, a major national event to be hosted at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, which requires extensive logistical and security coordination in the city.
The announcement was delivered by KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday. She explained that the one-week postponement will enable both the Independence Day celebrations and the festival to receive the focus and honour they deserve.
“Independence Day is a key moment for our country, and Kampala, as the capital, must provide the right atmosphere for it to be celebrated smoothly. Shifting the festival date gives us sufficient time to finalize logistical and technical arrangements for both occasions without compromising standards. The Kampala City Festival will now take place on October 12, and we are prepared to deliver a memorable event,” Buzeki said.
Returning after several years of absence, the festival will be hosted at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds under the theme “Innovation, Culture, and Sustainability.” The Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, will be the chief guest.
The celebration will begin with a grand procession through Kampala before opening into various activity zones, including the Main Stage, Wainchi Stage, Halal Village, Christian Stage, and a Children’s Zone dedicated to family-friendly entertainment.
Although the date has shifted, enthusiasm for the festival has been growing through a series of pre-festival activities aimed at uniting residents and improving city life.
These initiatives have included solidarity visits to orphanages, tree planting under the Greening Kampala campaign, a citywide “No-Litter Day” clean-up, urban farming demonstrations in Kibuli and Mengo Primary Schools, and free health camps that served over 7,000 people.
“These activities are already igniting the festival spirit,” Buzeki observed. “We have seen Kampala come together—students, leaders, civil society, and market vendors working side by side. The festival is not simply a one-day occasion; it embodies shared pride in our city.”
The Uganda Police has also assured residents and visitors of comprehensive safety arrangements during the festival.
Police Spokesperson Kituma Rusoke, speaking on behalf of the Force, confirmed that detailed security plans have been drawn up in partnership with KCCA.
“We are fully ready to safeguard the festival. Our officers will be positioned along the procession routes, inside Kololo grounds, and across all festival zones. Both residents and visitors can participate with confidence, knowing their security is well assured,” Rusoke stated.
Despite the change of date, excitement over the return of the Kampala City Festival remains high.
Once known as East Africa’s biggest street celebration, the festival is expected to attract tens of thousands of revellers, cultural performers, and businesses. It is also regarded as a significant platform for innovation, trade, and tourism promotion in Kampala.
Buzeki extended appreciation to sponsors, corporate partners, schools, faith-based groups, and community organisations already supporting the event, while calling for more partners to join what she described as a unifying city festival.
“The date may have shifted, but the spirit of the Kampala City Festival remains unchanged. On October 12, Kampala will showcase its diversity, resilience, and creativity. Together, we shall make it a celebration to remember,” she concluded.
The Kampala City Festival is expected not only to entertain but also to stimulate economic activity for traders, vendors, and local enterprises. With security assured and preparations in top gear, all roads will lead to Kololo on October 12, 2025, for what promises to be a vibrant display of culture, innovation, and unity.
