KAMPALA, Oct 12 — Kampala erupted in color and rhythm on Saturday as thousands gathered for the long-awaited Kampala City Festival 2025, a celebration revitalized by the energetic backing of Dr. Hamis Kiggundu and his Ham Group of Companies. The event marked a defining moment in the city’s cultural calendar, bringing together business, art, and community under a single banner of unity.
Weeks before the festival, Dr. Kiggundu, a noted entrepreneur and philanthropist, announced a UGX 200 million sponsorship, becoming the event’s largest private benefactor. His support reignited national enthusiasm for the annual showcase that highlights Kampala’s creativity and resilience.
By mid-morning, the parade route from Buganda Road to Kololo was transformed into a dynamic procession of music, dance, and color. More than 4,000 Ham Group staff and volunteers, dressed in the festival’s signature attire, marched alongside ten vibrant trucks emblazoned with the company’s brands — spanning real estate, manufacturing, technology, and community development.
Spectators described the parade as the festival’s heartbeat. “Ham Group brings Kampala’s innovation to life,” said one attendee, cheering as the convoy passed. “When Dr. Ham steps forward, the city follows.”
Flagged off by Dr. Kiggundu himself, the parade embodied the festival’s 2025 theme, “Culture, Innovation, and Sustainability.” The symbolic collaboration between public celebration and private initiative underscored Kampala’s evolving identity as a city driven by enterprise and civic pride.
Organized by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the festival returned after a long hiatus, filling the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds with music, food, and family entertainment. Artisans displayed crafts, children flocked to the newly built play zone, and food vendors lined the walkways as city leaders toured the site.
KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki commended the organizing teams and partners for restoring the festival’s prominence. “This is not just celebration—it’s a mirror of Kampala’s creativity and unity,” she said, accompanied by State Minister for Kampala Kabuye Kyofatogabye.
By evening, the main stage became the city’s focal point. Performances by Ava Peace, Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Minister Rachael Kay, and the Watoto Children’s Choir electrified the crowd, culminating in a rousing appearance by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who hailed the event as “a national reflection of resilience and shared purpose.”
The digital spotlight followed quickly. #HamAtKCF2025 dominated social media as Ham Group’s official pages shared parade moments captioned with the phrase, “For God and My Country.” Thousands of Ugandans online echoed the sentiment, transforming the event into a viral celebration of patriotism and progress.
For Dr. Kiggundu, the initiative represented more than philanthropy. “Every thriving city grows through collaboration between government and private enterprise,” he said in a reflection following the event. “Our contribution is about inspiring Ugandans to believe in their collective potential.”
As fireworks lit up the skyline and music carried into the night, Kampala’s citizens embraced a renewed sense of optimism. The 2025 festival became not only a revival of cultural celebration but also a symbol of partnership between business and community.
Kampala cheered, Ham Group delivered, and Dr. Hamis Kiggundu reminded his city that progress shines brightest when shared.
