The Bayimba International Festival of the Arts is set to return for its 18th edition from Friday, August 28, to Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Lunkulu Island in Buikwe, Mukono District, bringing together some of Uganda’s finest creatives alongside international artists.
Organized by Bayimba Cultural Foundation, the three-day festival will once again transform Lunkulu Island into a vibrant hub for music, dance, theatre, film, visual arts, and cultural exchange while placing a special focus on empowering young women in the creative industry.
This year’s edition is being held under the CREATE – Enhancing Skills and Financial Inclusion for Young Women in the Creative Economy programme, which aims to equip emerging female creatives with skills, mentorship, market access, and career-building opportunities.
More than 20 Ugandan and international artists are expected to perform across multiple stages, while young women trained through the CREATE programme will share the stage with established performers. The initiative also connects participants with promoters, booking agents, venue operators, cultural institutions, and other industry stakeholders to help transform their artistic talent into sustainable careers.
According to Faisal Kiwewa, Artistic Director of Bayimba Cultural Foundation, the festival goes beyond entertainment by creating real opportunities for emerging artists.
“The festival is where the work becomes visible. Young women who have spent months building craft, discipline and enterprise step onto the same stages as established artists, and they meet the promoters, programmers and buyers who can turn that work into a career. That is what a market-linkage platform is for,” he said.
Festivalgoers can look forward to an exciting programme featuring live music performances, visual arts exhibitions, film screenings, cultural fellowship sessions, creative arts symposiums, and traditional tourism experiences.
The event will also feature Every BODY Counts, an inclusive dance programme celebrating diversity and accessibility in the arts. Beyond the performances, attendees will have access to sports activities, physical wellness sessions, community outreach initiatives, and dedicated mental health rejuvenation spaces.
As part of the Banking on Creativity initiative, Bayimba is also preparing a business-to-business lookbook showcasing more than 50 women-led creative enterprises. The publication will be shared with investors, buyers, and members of the Mastercard Foundation network to expand business and market opportunities for participants.
All CREATE showcase, training, mentorship, and networking opportunities will be offered free of charge.
ALSO READ: King Michael Explains Why He Quit Flaunting His Wealth Despite Living His Best Life
Since its inception in 2008, the Bayimba International Festival of the Arts has become one of East Africa’s leading arts festivals, showcasing renowned performers including Alpha Blondy, Jose Chameleone, Sheebah, Maddox Ssematimba, Spice Diana, GNL Zamba, and King Saha.
The 18th edition will take place at Lunkulu Island, located about 42 kilometres from Kampala and accessible by road as well as boat transport from Entebbe, Jinja, and Ggaba.
Bayimba Cultural Foundation says the festival remains committed to creating an inclusive creative ecosystem that nurtures talent, strengthens cultural participation, and builds sustainable careers for artists across Uganda and East Africa.
The post Bayimba International Festival Announces 18th Edition Lineup and Dates appeared first on ..
