Good to know
Good to Know
- Kampala City Festival (first Sunday of October) is the largest annual cultural street event, drawing massive crowds across different age groups.
- Uganda Martyrs Shrine Pilgrimage (June 3) is a significant religious observance; expect large pilgrim crowds and traffic if visiting the Namugongo area.
- POATE in May is primarily a tourism industry event but open to visitors interested in Uganda's cultural tourism offerings.
- Festival timing and specific dates can vary year to year; confirm current dates closer to travel dates.
Annual Events
Kampala City Festival
- Month
- October
- Scale
- Large-scale (draws multitudes)
- Timing
- First Sunday of October
- Description
- An annual street fair that celebrates culture, unity, and provides networking opportunities. Features live music, dance performances, local cuisine, art installations, and street vendors from across Uganda.
- Location Note
- Central Kampala
Uganda Martyrs Shrine Pilgrimage
- Month
- June
- Scale
- Large-scale pilgrimage
- Timing
- June 3 annually
- Description
- Thousands of pilgrims gather to honor Christian martyrs executed by the Kabaka of Buganda in the late 19th century. Marked by religious ceremonies, prayers, and hymns.
- Location Note
- Namugongo (just outside central Kampala)
Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE)
- Month
- May
- Scale
- Trade/industry event
- Timing
- May (dates vary by year)
- Description
- Annual tourism and cultural event bringing together travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers, and stakeholders from across East Africa. Showcases Uganda's tourism offerings and provides networking opportunities.
- Location Note
- Commonwealth Resort, Munyonyo (Kampala area)
Kampala Fashion Week
- Month
- Varies
- Scale
- Mid-scale cultural event
- Timing
- Annual (specific dates vary)
- Description
- Brings together local and international designers, models, and stylists to showcase diverse fashion styles and trends.
- Location Note
- Central Kampala
Pearl International Film Festival (PIFF)
- Month
- May
- Scale
- Multi-day cultural event
- Timing
- May (week-long event)
- Description
- Annual multi-disciplinary arts and cultural festival featuring film screenings, workshops, student programs, and exhibitions celebrating Ugandan and international cinema.
- Location Note
- National Theatre, Kampala
AI-generated estimateData refreshed September 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Kampala
Data last updated September 2026 · Verify anything important.