The Bayimba International Festival of the Arts is set to make a vibrant return for its 18th edition from August 28 to 30, 2026, at the picturesque Lunkulu Island in Buikwe District, promising three days of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, film and cultural experiences.
Organised by the Bayimba Cultural Foundation, this year’s festival will bring together more than 20 Ugandan and international artists across multiple stages while shining a spotlight on emerging young women creatives through the CREATE – Enhancing Skills and Financial Inclusion for Young Women in the Creative Economy programme.
The festival will serve as a platform for young women artists to showcase their talent alongside established performers while connecting them with promoters, booking agents, venue operators, buyers and cultural institutions. Participants will also benefit from technical mentorship, networking opportunities and branding support, all offered free of charge.
Speaking about the festival, Bayimba Cultural Foundation Artistic Director Faisal Kiwewa said the event is designed to transform creative talent into sustainable careers by giving emerging artists direct access to industry stakeholders and market opportunities.
Beyond the performances, festivalgoers can expect immersive visual art exhibitions, film screenings, cultural tourism activities, creative symposiums and the inclusive dance programme Every BODY Counts. The event will also feature wellness activities, sports, community outreach initiatives and dedicated spaces for mental health rejuvenation.
Hosted at the Bayimba Centre for Visual and Performing Arts on Lunkulu Island since 2018, the festival has grown into one of East Africa’s leading arts events, previously hosting renowned performers including Alpha Blondy, Jose Chameleone, Sheebah, Maddox Sematimba, Spice Diana, GNL Zamba and King Saha.
The 2026 edition also forms part of Bayimba’s “Banking on Creativity” initiative, which seeks to position creative enterprises as viable businesses while promoting market access for women-led creative ventures.
The Bayimba International Festival of the Arts will take place from Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30, 2026, approximately 42 kilometres from Kampala, with access by road and boat from Entebbe, Jinja and Ggaba.