The 18th Bayimba International Festival of the Arts has wrapped up at Lunkulu Island, bringing three days of music, culture and creativity to the shores of Lake Victoria from August 28–30.
The festival brought together more than 20 Ugandan and international acts, with performances from some of the country’s biggest names, including Karole Kasita, Winnie Nwagi, Feffe Bussi, John Blaq, Ava Peace, Kataleya & Kandle and Lily Kadima.
Beyond the music stages, Bayimba offered a wider creative experience. Wakaliwood Village gave festival-goers a taste of Uganda’s action-film industry through screenings, stunt demonstrations and special-effects experiences, while the Nilotika Cultural Village showcased traditional dance, fashion and sustainable creative practices.
The festival also featured fashion, visual art, live graffiti, exhibitions, industry discussions and nightly beach activities, reinforcing Bayimba’s identity as more than just a music festival.
A major focus of this year’s edition was the CREATE programme, which placed young women creatives at the centre of the festival through skills development, mentorship, networking and opportunities to showcase their work alongside established artists.
With its unique island setting, diverse performances and multidisciplinary programme, Bayimba 2026 once again positioned Lunkulu Island as one of Uganda’s most exciting destinations for music, arts and cultural experiences.
