KOLOLO, KAMPALA: 17 November 2025— The Ugandan creative landscape is set for a historic transformation following the official unveiling of the Uganda One Festival. Described as the nation’s most iconic and unifying cultural event, the festival is scheduled to take place on January 8th and 9th, 2026, at the Kololo Independence Grounds.
The launch event, headlined by Chairperson of the Organizing Committee Sylvia Awori, marks the beginning of a nationwide countdown to what organizers call a “bold, unifying celebration of our creative power as one nation.” The launch marks the first step toward a powerful gathering of cultures, sounds, stories and people,coming together as one nation, one heartbeat.
The ‘UG One Festival’ represents a milestone in professionalizing the creative sector, following years of policy dialogues and grassroots engagements across the country, including key sessions in Gulu. The festival will serve as a massive convergence for Uganda’s nine officially recognized creative domains: Music and Film, Visual and Performing Arts, Cultural Heritage, Software & Digital Innovation, Books & Publishing, Collecting Societies, and Support Services.
Government Backing and Economic Empowerment:
The initiative enjoys significant high-level support, including the State House and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), among others. These stakeholders view the creative industry as a vital driver for job creation, national dignity, and social cohesion.
A major highlight of the upcoming festival will be the official flag-off of the Presidential Fund for Creative SACCOs. This fund fulfills a promise by H.E. the President to provide direct financial empowerment to the creative sector.
What to Expect on D-Day at Kololo:
Beyond traditional exhibitions, the festival is designed to be an interactive experience aimed at bridging generational gaps. Planned activities include:
Live Showcases and Workshops: Providing hands-on learning and performance opportunities.
Heritage Zones: Celebrating the diverse cultural roots of Uganda.
Youth Lab: A dedicated space for the next generation of innovators. And;
Panel Talks: Engaging industry leaders in dialogues about the future of the creative economy.
In her closing remarks, Sylvia Awori called upon all Ugandans from the North, South, East, and West to support and attend the event. “Uganda is One. Our culture is One. Our future is One,” she stated, signaling a new era for the country’s cultural spirit.
