KCCA REACH OUT TO BABIES HOMES AHEAD OF KAMPALA CITY FESTIVAL

As Kampala gears up for its biggest street celebration, the Kampala City Festival 2025, staff of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have chosen to share the joy where it matters most; babies’ homes.

The Kampala City Festival back on October 5 at Kololo Independence Grounds will run under the theme Innovation, Culture, and Sustainability aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals on safe and inclusive cities.

In a show of solidarity, KCCA staff donated clothes, mattresses, sugar, milk, soap, rice, toilet paper, and diapers to three institutions: Nsambya Babies Home, Hope for Justice, and St. Teresa Babies Home. Others are Sanyu Babies Home and Naguru Remand Home

KCCA partnered with schools that included Greenhill Primary School, Mirembe Junior School, Buziga Islamic School, St. Peter’s Primary School, St. Peter’s Secondary School, Kabojja Junior School, among others.

The items were delivered by a team led by Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, who said the gesture reflects the true spirit of the festival.

“The City Festival will bring happiness to the streets of Kampala. But we know some members of our community, especially the disadvantaged, may not join the celebrations. That is why we chose to share the little we have. Blessed is the heart that gives,” Kigenyi said, borrowing words from the late Lucky Dube’s music.

Directors and staff dug into their own pockets to support the initiative. Vincent Bwendemire, Director of Physical Planning, called the donation one of several pre-event activities that underline the festival’s community spirit.

He also hailed Nsambya Babies Home for successfully placing nearly half its children into families, urging the public to support through adoption and other assistance.

The home’s administrator, Sister Maria Teddy Nakyanzi, was all smiles as she thanked KCCA for choosing them. She applauded partners who continue to rally behind the babies, including participants in a recent charity walk.

Sheila Buringi, KCCA’s Director of Gender, and the Festival Committee chairperson said the Authority would make such outreach an annual festival tradition.

At the Festival, dwellers expect a colorful street procession, exhibitions, live music, sports, a tree-planting campaign, health camps, a “No Litter Day,” and even a “Car-Free Day.” Medical camps are already underway across the five city divisions.

“This is a unifying event that brings together Kampala’s diverse population. It celebrates our city’s culture, history, and diversity,” she noted.

First held in 2012 to mark Uganda’s 50 years of independence, the festival has grown into a magnet for sponsors. This year’s backers include the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, Ham Enterprises, China Railway 18th Bureau Group, NBS TV, Psalms Foods, Centenary Bank, Chint, Platinum Credit, and Uganda Police.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer