The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, in collaboration with the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS), SBL Media, and other creative stakeholders, officially launches the UGANDA ONE FESTIVAL, a national celebration of Uganda’s creative and cultural economy today in Kampala.
The press launch marks the formal unveiling of Uganda One Fest, a landmark initiative designed to spotlight the country’s vast creative and cultural potential while positioning the creative industry as a key driver of economic growth and national identity.
The UGANDA ONE FESTIVAL, slated for 8th–9th January 2026, is a pioneering two-day national event that will bring together thousands of creatives, performers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and cultural leaders under one umbrella to showcase the full spectrum of Uganda’s creative and cultural wealth.
Spanning nine creative domains — Music, Film and Video ,Performing Arts, Books and Publishing, Visual Arts, Culture and Heritage, Digital Media, innovations and Software, as well Support Services, the festival will be a powerful platform for national artistic expression, exhibitions, business networking, cultural appreciation, and policy dialogue.
The press launch will unveil the official roadmap, programming, pavilions, cultural showcases, and institutional partnerships. It will also reinvigorate the countrywide Copyright Awareness Campaign as a critical pathway towards the long-awaited operationalization of Uganda’s new copyright law that is expected to passed by parliament anytime soon .
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
Sylvia Owori, Chairperson of the National Organizing Committee and Director of Operations at Operation Wealth Creation, emphasized the festival’s broader purpose:
“This festival is not just a celebration of talent — it’s an economic engine. We are unlocking the full potential of Uganda’s creative economy, and the press launch is our rallying call to the nation’s artists, creators, and partners.. It’s time to organize, monetize, and protect what we create.”
Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, affirmed the government’s commitment:
“The Creative Industry is no longer peripheral — it’s central to Uganda’s job creation and identity. This is why is captured in all government policy frameworks at the moment including the NDPV NRM Manifesto and the Ten Fold growth strategy . Through Uganda One Fest and the National Copyright Awareness Campaign, we are institutionalizing the creative economy as a national priority. The President’s vision is clear — creatives must be protected, financed, and celebrated.”
Mr Herbert Mugisha. CEO of Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS), added:
“The awareness campaign we are launching today is part of a long journey toward a fair, inclusive, and rights-based creative sector. Copyright is the currency of the digital age — and Uganda must catch up. We call on all stakeholders to rally behind this vision.”
Festival Highlights
- 200+ Performances across cultural domains
- Nine (9) Creative Pavilions showcasing business, talent, and heritage in all the 9 domains.
- Workshops
- Exhibitions, Fireworks, Parades, and Live Concerts
- H.E the President will be the Guest of Honor
- It will be set the tone for the new year and it will be an annual event
#UG1Fest26 | #CreateForGrowth | #CreativePower
