Fashion, African cuisine, arts, crafts and cultural performances will take centre stage as refugees and members of their host communities gather for the inaugural Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Uganda Open Days in Kampala.
Scheduled for September 25 and 26, 2026, the two-day event will transform the JRS offices on St Augustine Road in Nsambya into a lively exhibition of creativity, culture and enterprise.
Visitors will experience fashion and design showcases, sample African food and enjoy music and cultural performances. Artisans and entrepreneurs will also exhibit handmade crafts and other products developed through their skills and businesses.
Behind the entertainment will be stories of people using creativity and vocational training to rebuild their lives and pursue economic independence.
Some exhibitors are former participants in JRS programmes who have gone on to establish businesses. They will return to display their products and share their journeys, while current trainees demonstrate the skills they are acquiring.
The event will also connect participating creatives and entrepreneurs with potential customers, companies, financial institutions, non-governmental organisations and development partners.
Ami-Adolphe Mudekereza, the JRS Communications Officer for Eastern and Southern Africa, said the Open Days would introduce the public to the organisation’s work while celebrating the abilities of refugees and host communities.
“We want the Open Day to help people better understand who we are, what we do and the difference our programmes make,” Mudekereza said.
“It will also showcase the skills, talents, resilience and initiatives of refugees and host communities, while strengthening partnerships and connections.”
JRS has invited entrepreneurs, businesses, community initiatives and organisations to register as exhibitors and showcase their products, services and innovations.
The organisation has operated in Uganda since 1993 and works with refugees and vulnerable members of host communities in Kampala and Adjumani. Its programmes cover education, livelihoods, socioeconomic integration, mental health and psychosocial support, basic-needs assistance, pastoral care, peacebuilding and reconciliation.
JRS Uganda is led by Fr Paul Kalenzi, SJ, who spent part of his childhood as a member of a refugee family in Nairobi after his parents fled Uganda during Idi Amin’s rule.
Founded in 1980 as a work of the Society of Jesus, JRS accompanies, serves and advocates for refugees and other forcibly displaced people.
The September 25 programme will run from 9am to 5pm, while the September 26 activities will take place from 11am to 5pm. Admission is free.