East Africa: Uganda International Fashion Week Calls for Participants Ahead of June Return

6 May 2026
Nile Post (Kampala)
By Samuel Muhimba

Organisers of the Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW) have announced an open call for fashion designers, manufacturers, content creators, make-up artists, beauty brands, and players in the tourism sector to take part in this year's event scheduled for June 22-27 at Kampala Serena Hotel.

The fashion showcase, which is returning after a six-year break, is positioning itself once again as a major platform on the African fashion calendar. It is expected to bring together designers, models, creatives, industry leaders, and fashion enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond.

According to organisers, the call targets both emerging and established designers from Uganda, East Africa, and the wider African fashion industry. Selected participants will get an opportunity to present their work on an international stage that promotes creativity, craftsmanship, cultural identity, and storytelling through fashion.

This year's edition will run under the theme "Fashion for Impact", focusing on fashion's role in driving economic growth, promoting cultural exchange, boosting tourism, and contributing to social change.

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Under the leadership of fashion icon Santa Anzo, founder of ARAPAPA, the event has grown beyond a runway showcase into a platform aimed at empowering young creatives and supporting the broader fashion ecosystem.

"Uganda International Fashion Week has always been about creating opportunities and opening doors for African creatives," Anzo noted.

"Our call goes out to brands and fashion designers that are ready to join us in causing impact and committed to use fashion not only as a form of expression, but as a tool for empowerment, storytelling, and transformation of our communities. We want the world to continue seeing Uganda and Africa through the lens of creativity and excellence8."

Organisers say the 2026 edition will prioritise collaboration, mentorship, skills development, and market access, while offering designers exposure to regional and international markets.

The event is supported by the Mastercard Foundation, the International Trade Centre (ITC), Bayimba Foundation, and curated by ARAPAPA, alongside other partners working to strengthen Uganda's creative industry.

Applications are open until May 20, 2026, with interested participants encouraged to apply through official UIFW platforms and follow its social media channels for updates.

Read the original article on Nile Post.

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