By Our Reporter
ARAPAPA by Santa ANZO, the organisers of the Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW) 2026, have announced new dates for the much-anticipated return of Uganda’s biggest fashion showcase.
After more than two decades of shaping Uganda’s fashion industry and spotlighting local talent for market access both locally and internationally, UIFW is expected to return with renewed momentum, reaffirming its position as one of Africa’s leading platforms for fashion, enterprise and creative industry development.
Founded in 2003, under ARAPAPA, by renowned fashion entrepreneur Santa Anzo, UIFW is more than a runway event. It is a platform that uses fashion to create economic opportunities by developing skills, promoting entrepreneurship, creating jobs and connecting designers, manufacturers and creatives to regional and global markets.
UIFW was initially scheduled to return from June 22nd -27th this year, but organisers paused preparations after the government announced that all events should be halted following an Ebola outbreak.
However, after careful consideration, and the government’s declaration that there are no more Ebola cases, the organisers announced that the week-long event will now take place from August 31st to September 5th, 2026.
The Grand Finale Gala will be hosted at the Kampala Serena Hotel, on September 5th, 2026 while the Expo will be held at a yet to be disclosed venue.
ARAPAPA founder- Santa Anzo, emphasized that the revised dates will not affect the quality and scope of the planned activities. “The health and safety of fashion our clients, fans and partners had to come first. But all planned runway showcases, exhibitions, business forums, training programmes, networking sessions and partnership engagements will proceed as planned, or even better, because we have had more time to prepare,” she said.
With just five weeks to go until the long-awaited fashion week, Anzo said preparations are gathering momentum, with some of Uganda’s best designers lined up to showcase their work.
“The countdown is on. We are just five weeks away from the action. We have lined up some of Uganda’s best designers, who are ready and eager to create statement designs for the UIFW 2026,” she said.
Santa also re-echoed UIFW’s main objective and its commitment to an all-inclusive approach. “UIFW is about empowering communities through fashion, and this includes everyone; persons with disabilities, refugees, women, girls and youth. The specially crafted CREATE programme will run from August 31st to September 2nd and will be free of charge, providing creatives with an opportunity to showcase their products and services to potential buyers.” She noted.
The UIFW 2026 will run under the theme “Fashion for Impact,” and aims to further position fashion as a driver of economic transformation, innovation and sustainable development.
UIFW will continue to empower women, girls, youth, refugees and persons with disabilities, through skills development, entrepreneurship, enterprise growth and improved access to markets across Africa’s expanding fashion value chain.
Registration for designers, exhibitors, partners, manufacturers, and other creatives interested in participating in this year’s edition is still available via the UIFW website.
Tickets for the highly anticipated Grand Finale Gala, set for September 5th, 2026, are now on sale. Guests can choose from front-row Platinum seats at UGX 250,000, second-row Gold seats at UGX 150,000, or third-row Silver seats at UGX 100,000. Tickets are available via MTN MoMo, either through the MoMo App or by dialing *165*20# on your mobile phone.