By Ambrose Gahene
Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) on Thursday kick-started the 7th Annual Arts and Culture Festival 2026 at the National theatre in Kampala, with various cultural troupes showcasing dance and traditional music talents. The festival was graced by the Iranian Embassy Cultural Counselor to Uganda, Mr. Rezaei D. Ali Asghar, representatives of Uganda cultural institutions and Government entities among others.
Mr. Francis Peter Ojede, UNCC Executive director, in his opening remarks, said the UNCC Annual festival has over time grown to enable Ugandan Artists get the opportunity to connect with audiences across the world.
He said through technology and innovation, artists have been able to promote Indigenous languages and traditional songs.
“We should treasure our cultures by not losing our traditional values due to modernization”, he said.
He enumerated NCC primary objectives to include; preservation of books and poetry on culture, cultural food and drinks and promoting use of technology and innovation to propel cultural values, film and video and celebrations and music among others.
Day one of the festival was characterized by cultural songs, dance and cultural exhibitions from Alur and Buganda cultural troupes and exhibitors. Cultural organizations participating at the festival were also awarded certificates of merit during day one of the festival which runs from 6-7 November 2026.
This year’s festival runs under the theme: “Culture for Sustainable Development, Leveraging Technology and Innovation.
While addressing Journalists last week, Mr. Ojede said the event will attract participants from all the regions of Uganda, the East Africa Community (EAC), India and other Countries.
“The Airts and Culture Festival will in addition attract participants from the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development, Private Sector, the Academia, Civil society Organizations and Cultural Institutions spread across Uganda among others”, he said.
The festival is being co-sponsored by a number of partners who include; Uganda Federation of Movie(UFMI), Uganda Heritage and Tourism Board and Yamaha Uganda among others.
Ms. Kateryne Kyryma, from Spedo World Music and Yamaha Uganda Brand Manager, said the festival will promote music diversity and is a great opportunity to promote the private sector.
“We believe music is a powerful force that unites different people in the world and would wish to assure you of the full support from Yamaha Uganda”, she said.
Mr. Allan Kakembo, representing the Uganda Heritage and Tourism Board, said Buganda Kingdom respects cultural institutions and has been at the forefront of supporting cultural sites in the country.
“Buganda Kingdom accommodates a wide range of cultural diversity because of the many people with different cultural beliefs who live in the Kingdom”, he said.