The Uganda One Festival: A Masterclass in Runway Resilience

The Uganda One Festival may have faced logistical hurdles, but it ultimately delivered a visual feast that solidified one truth: fashion is the heartbeat of Kampala’s creative soul.

Originally slated as a two-day weekend takeover from January 8–9, the festival was unexpectedly compressed into a single, high-octane day of music, commerce, and couture. At the helm was fashion veteran Sylvia Owori, whose ambition to unify the industry under one banner was palpable. While the market vendors provided a steady hum of activity throughout the day, the evening’s fashion showcase was undeniably the crown jewel of the event.

A Melting Pot of Design

The runway served as a vibrant cross-section of Ugandan talent. The curation bridged the gap between avant-garde costume artistry and commercial staples:

• The Visionaries: Kissinger and Nelly Salvatore brought high-concept drama.
• The Artisans: “Crochet Queen” Crochet Savvy proved that knitwear is having a major high-fashion moment.
• The Titans: Industry favorites Eguana Kampala and Kai’s Divo Collection reminded the crowd why they dominate the local scene.
• Ready to Wear: Axarya took to the stage to show off a selection from his different collections.
• The New Guard: Fresh perspectives from Kirkland Kampala and Joan Jade offered a refreshing glimpse into the future of the industry.

The message was clear: if you are only following a handful of celebrity designers, you are barely scratching the surface of what this industry has to offer.

Technical Excellence vs. Event Fatigue

The fashion segment’s production was a sharp contrast to the rest of the festival’s management. Orchestrated by stylists Elton Brasson and Solomon Tazibone, with model management by Enzo Productions, the showcase was sequenced to perfection.

While certain musical acts felt “unpolished” and struggled with live vocals, the models remained the ultimate professionals. They were well-trained, disciplined, and brought a level of international standard that kept the audience anchored even as the schedule lagged.

Architectural Beauty & Bold Strokes

The “Beauty” department was where the festival’s avant-garde spirit truly soared. Scarlet Studios led a massive, hands-on team that executed whimsical, bold makeup looks that shifted seamlessly between designer sets.

Complementing the face was the structural genius of Hair by Zziwa. The “architectural afrocentric” styles were a highlight—each model sported a unique silhouette that celebrated texture and height, contributing to a cohesive, high-fashion atmosphere.

The Verdict

The festival may have pushed past midnight, but the caliber of the runway kept the energy electric. Rumors are already swirling that Sylvia Owori intends to make this an annual staple. If the “Uganda One” premiere is any indication, the festival has some logistical ironing out to do—but as far as the fashion is concerned? It’s already arrived.