The Bayimba International Festival of the Arts is ready to make a vibrant return for its 18th version from August 28 to 30, 2026, on the picturesque Lunkulu Island in Buikwe District, promising three days of music, dance, theatre, visible arts, movie and cultural experiences.
Organised by the Bayimba Cultural Foundation, this yr’s pageant will deliver collectively greater than 20 Ugandan and worldwide artists throughout a number of levels whereas shining a highlight on rising younger ladies creatives via the CREATE – Enhancing Skills and Financial Inclusion for Young Women within the Creative Economy programme.
The pageant will function a platform for younger ladies artists to showcase their expertise alongside established performers whereas connecting them with promoters, reserving brokers, venue operators, patrons and cultural establishments. Participants may even profit from technical mentorship, networking alternatives and branding help, all provided freed from cost.
Speaking in regards to the pageant, Bayimba Cultural Foundation Artistic Director Faisal Kiwewa mentioned the occasion is designed to rework artistic expertise into sustainable careers by giving rising artists direct entry to trade stakeholders and market alternatives.
Beyond the performances, festivalgoers can anticipate immersive visible artwork exhibitions, movie screenings, cultural tourism actions, artistic symposiums and the inclusive dance programme Every BODY Counts. The occasion may even function wellness actions, sports activities, group outreach initiatives and devoted areas for psychological well being rejuvenation.
Hosted on the Bayimba Centre for Visual and Performing Arts on Lunkulu Island since 2018, the pageant has grown into certainly one of East Africa’s main arts occasions, beforehand internet hosting famend performers together with Alpha Blondy, Jose Chameleone, Sheebah, Maddox Sematimba, Spice Diana, GNL Zamba and King Saha.
The 2026 version additionally varieties a part of Bayimba’s “Banking on Creativity” initiative, which seeks to place artistic enterprises as viable companies whereas selling market entry for women-led artistic ventures.
The Bayimba International Festival of the Arts will happen from Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30, 2026, roughly 42 kilometres from Kampala, with entry by street and boat from Entebbe, Jinja and Ggaba.
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