KCCA ROLLS OUT FREE MEDICAL CAMPS AHEAD OF KAMPALA CITY FESTIVAL

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has launched a series of free medical camps across the city as part of pre-events leading up to the Kampala City Festival, slated for October 5 at Kololo Independence Grounds.

The festival returns under the theme Innovation, Culture, and Sustainability aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals on building safe, inclusive, and resilient cities.

The medical outreach, spearheaded by KCCA’s Directorate of Public Health, has been staged at Okuvu Church of Uganda in Nakawa Division, Kalerwe Market in Kawempe Division, Busega market in Lubaga Division, Kamwokya Katale Zone in Central Division, and Kataba Zone in Makindye Division. The camps which started on September 24, has ended today September 25.

Residents turned up in large numbers to receive a wide range of free health services. These included family planning, HIV testing and counseling, screening for hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis and malaria, along with nutrition assessment and growth monitoring. They also benefited from health education on disease prevention, sensitization on hygiene and waste management, integrated immunization, blood donation, treatment for common illnesses, and timely referrals for severe cases.

“These medical camps reflect the festival’s community spirit,” KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki said, adding that similar services will also be available at the main festival grounds in Kololo.

The Kampala City Festival will feature a colorful street procession, live music, exhibitions, sports, a tree-planting drive, health camps, Christian stage, Halal village, children's stage, a “No Litter Day,” and even a “Car-Free Day.”

Buzeki said the return of the festival is more than entertainment.

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

Launched in 2012 to mark Uganda’s 50 years of independence, the festival has grown into one of the city’s biggest annual draws. This year’s sponsors include the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, Ham Enterprises, China Railway 18th Bureau Group, NBS TV, Psalms Foods, Centenary Bank, Chint, Platinum Credit, Stirling Civil Engineering Ltd, Ram Projects Ltd, Hotel Africana, SalamTel, PaxTel, KCB Bank, Baba Tv, Record Radio, and Uganda Police among others.

With thousands expected, the Kampala City Festival 2025 is shaping up as both a street party and a celebration of health, culture, and unity.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communiction and Media Relations Officer