KAMPALA, Oct. 12 (Bizmart) — Kampala pulsed with renewed energy as thousands thronged Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for the long-awaited Kampala City Festival 2025, a vibrant return to the capital’s biggest civic celebration. At the center of the festivities stood Dr. Hamis Kiggundu, entrepreneur and philanthropist, whose Ham Group of Companies played a pivotal role in powering the event’s success.
Two weeks earlier, Dr. Kiggundu pledged UGX 200 million in sponsorship, becoming the festival’s largest private supporter. The gesture revitalized enthusiasm for an annual tradition that celebrates Uganda’s culture, resilience, and innovation.
By mid-morning, the roads from Buganda Road to Kololo transformed into a kaleidoscope of sound and motion. More than 4,000 Ham Group representatives, dressed in vibrant KCCA–Ham Group colors, paraded alongside entertainment trucks showcasing the company’s businesses in real estate, manufacturing, and technology. The spirited convoy, personally flagged off by Dr. Kiggundu, drew cheers from crowds who hailed the fusion of enterprise and community spirit.
“This festival proves how business can be a force for unity,” one attendee said. “When Dr. Ham steps forward, Kampala follows.”
Organized by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the 2025 edition marked the festival’s grand revival after a long hiatus. The Kololo grounds brimmed with life—vendors served local dishes, artisans sold crafts, and children raced toward the newly built Children’s Village, buzzing with activity.
KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki and State Minister for Kampala Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye praised the collaboration between public and private partners. “This event reflects Kampala’s unity and creativity,” said Buzeki, as she inspected final preparations ahead of the opening.
By evening, the main stage erupted with music from local stars Ava Peace, Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Minister Rachael Kay, and the Watoto Children’s Choir. The performances culminated with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the event’s Guest of Honour, applauding KCCA and Ham Group for building “a people-centered festival that celebrates the heartbeat of the city.”
Across social media, the event trended under #HamAtKCF2025, with posts from Ham Group’s official accounts capturing scenes of color and unity. “For God and My Country,” one caption read, echoing the theme of national pride that defined the celebration.
For Dr. Kiggundu, the festival was more than a showcase of business success. It embodied his belief that private sector leadership can drive social transformation. “A city’s progress depends on cooperation between innovators and policymakers,” he reflected. “At Ham Group, we aim to prove that commerce and community can move forward together.”
As fireworks lit the Kampala sky, the festival closed on a note of optimism. The cheers, songs, and shared joy represented more than a single event—they marked a moment of civic renewal. Ham Group’s participation reminded the city that progress thrives when vision and generosity align.
Kampala danced again, and in its rhythm, Ham Group’s light shone brightest—an emblem of enterprise, unity, and pride.
