The countdown to one of East Africa’s most anticipated fashion events has officially begun, as Uganda International Fashion Week gears up for its highly anticipated return this June. Organisers have announced an open call inviting fashion designers, manufacturers, content creators, make-up artists, beauty brands, and stakeholders within the tourism sector to participate in this year’s edition, scheduled to take place from June 22–27 at Kampala Serena Hotel.

Uganda International Fashion Week 2026. Photo Credit: UIFW/Instagram
Uganda International Fashion Week 2026. Photo Credit: UIFW/Instagram

The fashion showcase, making its highly anticipated return after a six-year hiatus, is once again cementing its place as a key fixture on the African fashion calendar. The event is set to unite designers, models, creatives, industry stakeholders, and fashion lovers from across the continent and beyond.

The call invites both emerging and established designers from Uganda, East Africa, and across the continent. Successful applicants will showcase their work on a global stage that celebrates exceptional craftsmanship, raw creativity, and rich cultural identity.

Centered on the theme “Fashion for Impact,” this year’s edition champions the industry as a powerhouse for change—propelling economic growth, celebrating cultural heritage, and transforming the landscape of global tourism.

See also  20 Best Dressed African Female Celebrities

Under the guidance of ARAPAPA’s Santa Anzo, this showcase has transcended the catwalk. It now serves as a strategic incubator for young creatives, providing the tools and visibility needed to strengthen the fashion ecosystem at large.

The 2026 event is set to empower designers through targeted mentorship and skill-building, creating direct pipelines to global market opportunities

The initiative is proudly supported by the Mastercard Foundation, the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the Bayimba Foundation. Curated by ARAPAPA, the event brings together a coalition of partners dedicated to empowering and scaling Uganda’s vibrant creative industry.

The application window for UIFW remains open until May 20, 2026. Interested candidates should complete their submissions via official channels and monitor UIFW’s social media for further announcements.