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After more than two decades of shaping Africa’s fashion landscape, Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW) is set to return this June, 22nd –27th, at the prestigious Kampala Serena Hotel, reaffirming its position as one of the continent’s and Uganda’s most influential platforms, spotlighting fashion as a business.

The 2026 Edition marks an exciting new chapter for the fashion sector, with the launch of a Creative Economy Program (2026–2028), designed to equip over 9,840 youths aged 15–35, the majority of them women and girls, with practical skills, mentorship, coaching, enterprise development support, and access to regional and global markets within the fashion and creative industries.

Supported by Mastercard Foundation, the initiative aims to unlock opportunities for youth employment and women empowerment by strengthening Uganda’s rapidly growing fashion ecosystem while mobilising additional partners to scale its impact across Africa’s creative economy.

Founded in 2003 by renowned fashion designer and entrepreneur Santa Anzo, Uganda International Fashion Week has spent more than two decades showcasing Ugandan designers and connecting creatives to global opportunities. The expanded program now goes beyond runway showcases to focus on skills development, entrepreneurship, and industry growth across the fashion value chain.

“We don’t just exhibit fashion, we build livelihoods,” said Santa Anzo, Founder of ARAPAPA and the Uganda International Fashion Week. “Fashion is not only about passion, creativity, and self-expression; it is also a powerful engine for entrepreneurship, job creation, and cultural influence. Through skills training, mentorship, and enterprise support, we want to help young people transform their talent into sustainable businesses and careers,” she said.

Through this initiative, participants will receive comprehensive, end-to-end support across the fashion ecosystem, including impact showcasing, design, garment manufacturing, model development, practical skills training, business structuring, mentorship, and access to markets and buyers. The programme is designed to drive employment and income generation within the fashion industry and its related sectors, while strengthening linkages between creatives, buyers, investors, and development partners.

The annual Uganda International Fashion Week will remain the flagship platform for showcasing this growing creative economy, bringing together academia, manufacturers, designers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, while positioning Uganda as an emerging hub for African fashion and creative entrepreneurship.

With preparations already underway for the 2026 UIFW, the Organisers are inviting development institutions, corporate partners, impact investors, cultural organizations, and governments to collaborate in expanding opportunities for women and youth, to strengthen manufacturing capacity, and open global market pathways for African designers.

The annual Uganda International Fashion Week 2026 is organized by ARAPAPA by Santa ANZO, in partnership with International Trade Centre, Bayimba and the Mastercard Foundation.

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Uganda’s creative industry is in mourning following the death of filmmaker, actress, and visual artist Esteri Tebandeke, who has passed away at the age of 41.

Tebandeke, known for her role in the international film Queen of Katwe and her appearance as a vixen in Bobi Wine’s hit song Singa, was a multifaceted creative whose influence stretched far beyond the screen.

Described by colleagues as a storyteller and visionary, Tebandeke built a reputation for her dedication to the craft, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Her work reflected a deep commitment to elevating Ugandan film and creating space for new voices in the industry.

In 2023, she founded the Binti Film Festival, a platform aimed at celebrating and amplifying women in film. The initiative was widely seen as a bold step toward inclusivity in an industry still finding its footing, and it marked just the beginning of a vision she carried with passion.

Her passing comes after a long and private battle with chronic kidney disease, a condition she had been living with since 2015. Despite her illness, Tebandeke continued to work, contributing to several film projects while quietly enduring her health challenges.

At one point, she publicly appealed for support, revealing she needed a kidney transplant and significant financial assistance for treatment as her condition worsened.

Even in the face of illness, those close to her say she remained grounded in hope, faith, and resilience.

Her death leaves a significant void in Uganda’s film industry, which continues to struggle for recognition despite producing critically acclaimed works.

Tebandeke is remembered not only for her performances but also for her efforts to uplift others and push the boundaries of Ugandan storytelling.

She is survived by her husband, Samuel, and her family.

As tributes continue to pour in, many in the industry are reflecting on her legacy—one defined by creativity, courage, and an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling.

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Following complaints received from wananchi during the recently concluded NRM Presidential campaign engagements in Kasese, Kiryandongo, and Entebbe, investigations are currently being carried out by SSP Byaruhanga Mworozi, Special Presidential Assistant – Police Affairs, in coordination with the Territorial Police, to address allegations of extortion and abuse of the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme.

While in Kasese District on 4th December 2025 during the Presidential campaign tour, three wananchi, including a female Councillor, Ms. Masika Joy of Kamayiba Ward, Central Division, came forward from the crowd and reported to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni cases of abuse of the PDM programme within Kasese Municipality.

Follow-up investigations established that nine enterprise groups had been defrauded. As a result, two accused persons, Biira Teopista and Biira Christine, were arrested and charged with obtaining money by false pretence under Kasese CRB 872/2025.

They first appeared before the Grade 1 Magistrate’s Court on 6th January 2026 and were remanded until 10th February 2026. They are currently released on Court bail.

In a related matter under Kasese CRB 878/2025, accused persons Wameyo Paul and Mugisha John also appeared before the Grade 1 Magistrate’s Court on 6th January 2026. Investigations into additional related case files are ongoing.

Similarly, on 10th December 2025 in Kiryandongo District, concerns were raised by wananchi regarding mismanagement and extortion linked to the PDM programme. In a follow-up engagement held on 12th December 2025 between SSP Byaruhanga, the Territorial Police, and complainants from Panyadoli Sub-county, it was established that 14 cases were already under active investigation and prosecution. Of these, two cases have since been concluded, leading to the conviction of six accused persons, namely Akello Esther, Abalo Margaret, Bugumirwa Patrick, Aluku Joel, Amusolo Eunice, and Mukwana Jacob. Hearing of the remaining cases is progressing before the courts of law.

In Entebbe, on 5th January 2026 during the Presidential campaign programme, one Nakasoma Tereza, also known as Nabakyala of Namulanda, reported that 14 beneficiaries in her enterprise group had been extorted during registration by the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of Namulanda PDM SACCO. Investigations were immediately undertaken, leading to the arrest of Kalega Joseph and Kibowa Henry on 7th January 2026. They were subsequently charged with 15 counts of obtaining money by false pretence under Kajjansi CRB 22/2026. The accused persons appeared before the Kajjansi Grade 1 Magistrate’s Court on 11th February 2026 and were remanded. The matter is scheduled to return to court for further hearing on 20th April 2026.

As part of the ongoing government efforts to safeguard the integrity of the Parish Development Model, arrests and court proceedings arising from these investigations are being publicized to expose individuals who exploit wananchi, encourage whistleblowers to come forward with credible information, and deter those who may intend to misuse funds meant for the transformation of households.

The government reiterates that access to PDM support is free of charge, and no official at any level is authorized to solicit money from citizens in exchange for registration or participation in the programme.

Members of the public are encouraged to continue reporting such cases to the relevant authorities.

The concerned investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial authorities are urged to expeditiously handle these cases so that the ends of justice can be met, confidence among wananchi is strengthened, and the Parish Development Model continues to serve its intended purpose of transforming households from subsistence to participation in the money economy.

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Controversial singer Alien Skin has raised fresh concern among fans after revealing plans to step back from music, and possibly walk away for good.

The Fangone Forest boss shared the update during an interview with Sanyuka Uncut, where he opened up about his current state of mind and future in the industry.

I am stepping back from active music. I am even contemplating whether to delete my songs from YouTube.

The statement comes at a time when his fan base remains strong, making his sudden shift all the more surprising.

Alien Skin also hinted that his journey in music may already have an end date, pointing to a final chapter he seems to be planning.

When I exit music in 2028, I will hold my concert; it will be both my first and my final show.

His remarks follow a recent move by Fangone Forest management to pause operations as part of an internal review.

For now, the singer appears to be stepping back rather than stepping out, but his words suggest he is already thinking about how he wants his story in music to end.

.@AlienSkinUg says he is stepping back from active music.#SanyukaUnCut #SanyukaUpdates #FfeBannoDdala pic.twitter.com/eVpT7PItcA

— Sanyuka TV (@sanyukatv) March 23, 2026

Ugandan singer Nandor Love has officially put an end to speculation, confirming the dissolution of her once-unbreakable friendship with fellow artiste Jowy Landa.

In a raw and unfiltered appearance on BBS TV, the outspoken songstress abandoned the typical celebrity practice of cryptic social media posts, opting instead for a moment of radical honesty that has since sent ripples through the local entertainment industry.

Known for her fearless demeanor, Nandor Love made it clear that she would not maintain a façade of friendship for the sake of public optics.

If we are not friends anymore, my followers have to know. I will not pretend online.

For fans who watched the duo dominate the scene, from joint performances to public displays of affection on social media, the revelation comes as a shock.

However, according to Nandor Love, the unraveling of their bond was not a sudden event but a slow erosion of trust marked by repeated disappointments.

She detailed the protracted nature of the split, explaining that she gave her former friend numerous chances long after the relationship had soured.

I always get a reason from someone if I am to separate with them. She used to talk about me, but that was not enough to end it. I stuck with her until I got a reason to leave. I kept brushing things off, and the more I did, she thought I was stupid. Till I said it was enough.

Nandor Love emphasized that apologies and promises of change eventually lost their meaning, becoming insufficient to rebuild the trust that had quietly deteriorated behind the scenes.