UGX 25M Contribution from Pearl Bank Fuels Kampala Festival Comeback

The much-anticipated return of the Kampala City Festival has received a significant boost after Pearl Bank (formerly Post Bank) announced a contribution of UGX 25 million to support the celebrations.

The contribution was officially handed over to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, and the Festival Organising Committee Chairperson, Sheila Birungi. The Kampala City Festival, scheduled for October 5th at Kololo Independence Grounds, will run under the theme “Innovation, Culture, and Sustainability.” 

While receiving the support, KCCA Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, expressed gratitude to Pearl Bank for being among the first institutions to back the revival of the festival, describing their commitment as a ray of hope.

“This contribution is a sign that together, we can make Kampala a city we all desire. The Festival is not only about celebration but about building partnerships that improve livelihoods and sustain our city,” Buzeki said.

She emphasized that the festival aims to go beyond entertainment, serving as a platform to unite stakeholders in efforts that foster growth, sustainability, and community development.

Pearl Bank’s Commitment

Speaking during the handover, Julius Kakeeto, Managing Director and CEO of Pearl Bank, underscored the bank’s long-term partnership with KCCA, noting that their support for the festival reflects a wider commitment to promoting financial inclusion and economic growth in Uganda.

“There are many areas we are already collaborating on, including the Parish Development Model (PDM). We want to work together to get our people out of the streets and build the Kampala we desire. This support to the Festival is only the beginning,” Kakeeto said.

He added that Pearl Bank is also dedicated to digitizing market operations through its Wendi platform, which empowers vendors to save, borrow, and access financial services with greater transparency and efficiency.

Driving Financial Inclusion

Echoing this, Pearl Bank’s Chief Retail Officer, Ibrahim Kato, highlighted that the bank, which has been operational since 1997, continues to align its mission with high-impact initiatives designed to improve livelihoods.

“We are excited to see government institutions forging ways to work together. The return of the Festival is not just about entertainment, but also about creating long-term purpose,” Kato remarked.

Organisers Welcome the Contribution

Festival Organising Committee Chairperson, Sheila Birungi, commended Pearl Bank for extending its partnership beyond Kampala’s market digitization efforts to include the city’s biggest cultural and entertainment event.

“Pearl Bank’s contribution will enhance the experience of the Festival, which promises to be a blend of culture, business, and entertainment. Their ongoing work with the Wendi platform in markets is already making a difference, and now they are helping us bring back Uganda’s most exciting celebration,” Birungi said.

What to Expect at This Year’s Festival

The Kampala City Festival, long celebrated as Uganda’s largest street event, is making a vibrant return with an enriched program. This year, Kololo Independence Grounds will be transformed into a hub of:

Business Exhibitions – Showcasing local enterprises and innovations.

Cultural Performances – Celebrating Uganda’s diverse heritage.

Innovation Displays – Highlighting creativity and sustainability-driven solutions.

Entertainment – Featuring top musicians, performers, and family-friendly activities.

The 2025 edition is expected to reaffirm the festival’s role as not only a celebration of Kampala’s cultural diversity but also a platform for driving business growth, innovation, and sustainable partnerships.