PEARL BANK (POST BANK) BOOST CITY FESTIVAL WITH UGX 25 MILLION

The Kampala City Festival has received a major boost ahead of its much-anticipated return, with Pearl Bank (formerly Post Bank) contributing UGX 25 million to support the celebrations.

The contributions were officially received by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, and the Festival Organising Committee Chairperson, Sheila Birungi.

The festival is scheduled for October 5th at Kololo Independence Grounds under the theme “Innovation, Culture, and Sustainability.”

The KCCA Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, applauded the support from Pearl Bank describing it among the first to give hope that the Festival can be revived.

“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.

Speaking during the handover, Julius Kakeeto, Managing Director and CEO of Pearl Bank, said their partnership with KCCA reflects a long-term commitment to driving growth and financial inclusion 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 noted.

He added that Pearl Bank is committed to digitizing market operations through its Wendi platform, enabling vendors to save, borrow, and access financial services with transparency.

The Chief Retail Officer of Pearl Bank, Ibrahim Kato, emphasized that the bank, which has existed since 1997, aligns with high-impact goals to drive financial inclusion.

“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 said.

Festival Organising Committee Chairperson, Sheila Birungi, commended Pearl Bank’s ongoing partnership in Kampala’s markets through the Wendi platform, adding that their contribution will enhance the experience of the festival, which promises a blend of culture, business, and entertainment.

This year’s Kampala City Festival will transform Kololo Independence Grounds into a hub of business exhibitions, cultural showcases, innovation displays, and entertainment, reaffirming its role as Uganda’s biggest street celebration.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer