KCCA holds City Festival to promote clean and healthy environment

13 October 2025, 10:36 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

In an effort to promote a clean and healthy environment, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) yesterday organized a city festival in Kampala, under the theme “Innovation, Culture, and Sustainability.” The event, which took place at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, attracted thousands of city residents who enjoyed the car-free day, fresh air, and a range of entertainment and cultural showcases.

Addressing the crowd, KCCA Executive Director Sharifa Buzeki expressed gratitude to the government for supporting the revival of the festival, which was last held during the tenure of former Executive Director Jennifer Musisi.

“I want to thank our government for allowing us to organize this festival, and I also appreciate our sponsors for their support. This festival is for the people of Kampala to enjoy their city,” Buzeki said.

She urged city dwellers to protect the environment by avoiding littering and emphasized that throwing waste such as plastic bottles into trenches and drainage systems causes flooding. Buzeki also highlighted KCCA’s ongoing efforts to promote plastic recycling and other sustainable waste management practices.

The Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, who was the Guest of Honour, commended KCCA for organizing the event and urged residents to maintain peace and unity.

“Without peace, nothing can be achieved,” Nabbanja said, adding that Kampala remains vital to Uganda’s economy, with 1.7 million residents at night and about 5.8 million during the day. “The city contributes 60 percent to the country’s GDP,” she noted, revealing that Parish Development Model (PDM) funding for Kampala will soon be increased.

During the event, Nabbanja also handed over a motorcycle from MTN Uganda to Lubega Claire, who emerged the winner in an MTN promotion.

Many participants applauded KCCA for organizing the festival and requested that it be held more than once a year. Some, like David, a climate change enthusiast, called for more public education on environmental conservation.

“I thank KCCA for this festival, but next time, they should bring experts to teach us about the dangers of pollution and how to plant the tree seedlings they distributed,” David said.

The festival was attended by the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Minsa Kabanda, her deputy Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, business people, and members of the public.