Kampala city festival returns, Uganda to host UNESCO Africa engineering week

6 August 2025, 4:23 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has officially announced the return of the highly anticipated Kampala City Festival, scheduled to take place on October 5, 2025, after a six-year break. The announcement was made today at the KCCA gardens by the authority’s Executive Director, Sharifa Buzeki.
Speaking at the event, Buzeki emphasized the festival’s role in promoting unity, enjoyment, and civic engagement.
“The city festival is back to give residents a chance to engage with their leaders and also have fun,” she said. “We’ve prepared a lot for the people of Kampala. This day is not only about entertainment—it will also involve access to healthcare, information about revenue, and child-friendly activities. Security will be guaranteed.”
The last Kampala City Festival was held in 2019 under the leadership of former Executive Director Jennifer Musisi Semakula, with the inaugural edition dating back to 2012.
KCCA Speaker and Kampala Woman MP aspirant Zahra Luyirika welcomed the revival of the festival, urging authorities to support local vendors on the day.
“We urge government to allow people to peacefully sell their goods along the streets. Let citizens use this opportunity to ask questions and learn about their responsibilities in the city and at their workplaces,” she noted. Luyirika also reaffirmed her readiness to lead Kampala District in the 12th Parliament.

Meanwhile, Uganda is set to host a major continental event, the 11th UNESCO Africa Engineering Week and the 9th African Engineering Conference from September 14 to 20, 2025, at Speke Resort Convention Centre, Munyonyo.
The announcement was made today at the Uganda Media Centre by the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE), in partnership with the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and other key stakeholders.
The conference will be held under the theme, “Leveraging Engineering Innovations and Technology to Accelerate Africa’s Socio-Economic Transformation,” highlighting the importance of engineering in achieving Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Over 1,000 participants including engineers, researchers, academics, and innovators from across Africa and beyond are expected.
Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Monica Musenero, noted that 80% of market products are results of engineering. “We are proud to host this event. Engineering drives innovation and development,” she stated.
Eng. Bosco Lepi, President of UIPE, called on the public and private sectors to support the event through registration, sponsorship, and promotion. “Ugandans are ready and excited to welcome the continent,” he said.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to be the chief guest at the conference.