Former Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Jennifer Musisi expressed heartfelt gratitude on Sunday for the revival of the Kampala City Festival, a vibrant event she launched over a decade ago to unite the city’s diverse communities.
In a post on X, Musisi, who served as KCCA’s first leader from 2011 to 2018, wrote: “@KCCA @KCCAED Thank you for reviving and growing our dream @CityFestivalKla. Have a great day!”
The message, shared early in the day, quickly garnered thousandas of view, hundreds of likes and shares, with followers praising her as the festival’s visionary founder and her other accomplishment while at the helm of the city hall.
The 2025 edition kicked off at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds amid light rain, drawing large crowds for performances, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities.
Organizers described it as a platform for showcasing Kampala’s innovation, sustainability, and post-pandemic resilience, including health outreaches and clean-up initiatives. Despite the weather, attendees enjoyed main-stage acts, coffee tastings from local vendors.
Launched in 2012 as the City Carnival to mark Uganda’s 50th independence anniversary, the festival, billed as East Africa’s biggest street party, quickly became an annual highlight under Musisi’s tenure.
It featured parades, music, food stalls, and community engagement, attracting thousands from Kampala and beyond. The event paused after 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and budget shifts, but KCCA announced its return in August 2025, emphasizing economic boosts for tourism and local businesses.
Kampala’s revival aligns with a worldwide surge in city festivals that celebrate local heritage and creativity. Similar events draw millions globally, turning urban spaces into hubs of joy and connection.
