KAMPALA, Oct. 12 (Reuters) — Kampala came alive on Saturday as music, color, and commerce converged at the Kampala City Festival 2025, a revived celebration of urban pride and enterprise led by Dr. Hamis Kiggundu, Chief Executive of Ham Group of Companies.
Two weeks ahead of the festivities, Kiggundu — known for his philanthropy and real estate ventures — had pledged UGX 200 million to the event, becoming its principal private sponsor. The commitment helped restore the festival’s prominence after years of subdued public events, signaling renewed confidence in the city’s creative and economic momentum.
By mid-morning, the roads from Buganda Road to Kololo were filled with over 4,000 Ham Group representatives in branded attire, moving alongside ten decorated entertainment trucks. The parade, a dynamic showcase of the group’s business divisions — from real estate and manufacturing to innovation and social initiatives — echoed the festival’s theme, “Culture, Innovation, and Sustainability.”
“This is more than a parade; it’s a celebration of Kampala’s enterprise,” said one participant as the convoy advanced toward the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where crowds lined the streets waving flags and chanting Ham Group slogans.
Flagging off the procession himself, Dr. Kiggundu underscored the link between private enterprise and public celebration. “Our goal is to show that development and culture can move together,” he said.
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) organized the festival with support from corporate partners and government institutions. Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki and State Minister for Kampala Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye visited the grounds on the eve of the event, commending workers for their commitment. “The festival reflects Kampala’s creative pulse and unity,” Buzeki told reporters.
As dusk approached, the festival grounds transformed into a stage of sound and light. Performances by Ava Peace, Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Minister Rachael Kay, and the Watoto Children’s Choir captivated the audience, culminating in an address by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, who hailed the partnership between KCCA and Ham Group for “bringing back the spirit of togetherness that defines Kampala.”
Throughout the day, social media feeds brimmed with photos and clips tagged #HamAtKCF2025, highlighting Ham Group’s massive presence at the festival. “For God and My Country,” read one viral caption from the company’s official account — a phrase that captured both patriotic pride and corporate responsibility.
For Dr. Kiggundu, the sponsorship extended beyond financial support. “Cities grow when the private sector stands beside public institutions,” he said after the event. “Our involvement in the festival is a message of unity and shared vision for Uganda’s progress.”
As fireworks illuminated the skyline and the crowd sang the national anthem, Kampala celebrated not just a festival’s return, but the enduring power of collaboration. The Ham Group’s participation showcased how business leadership can enrich civic identity — proving that innovation and culture thrive best when they advance hand in hand.
When the final notes faded over Kololo, Kampala stood renewed — a city energized by enterprise and bound by shared pride.
