fashion 4 September 2026 Nile Post
Uganda International Fashion Week Culminates in Grand Gala at Serena Hotel
After a six-year hiatus, the Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW) is set to conclude its week-long celebration with a grand finale runway gala at the Kampala Serena Hotel on Saturday, September 5th. The event aims to showcase fashion, culture, sustainability, and business opportunities. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/368919/uganda-international-fashion-week-set-for-grand-finale-runway-gala-at-serena
The Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW) is making a highly anticipated return after a six-year absence, culminating in a spectacular finale at the Kampala Serena Hotel this Saturday, September 5th. The event, themed “Fashion for Impact,” seeks to elevate the fashion industry beyond the runway, emphasizing its role in driving economic growth, cultural exchange, innovation, and employment across Africa.
The grand gala, to be held at the hotel’s Victoria Marquee, will feature a diverse international lineup of designers. Notable participants include Kenya’s Hellen Tolbert, Nigeria’s Ikpen Yvonne Akwitti, Ghana’s Eunice Blessing, Zimbabwe’s Danayi Madondo, South Africa’s Kwenzi Nkomo, and India’s Rahul Singh. These designers are expected to present collections that blend cultural heritage with contemporary styles, with a significant focus on sustainability.
Many designers are drawing inspiration from their local cultures, utilizing natural materials and traditional techniques. Nigerian designer Ikpen Yvonne Akwitti highlighted the importance of indigenous fabrics like Adire and Aso-oke in her work, stating, “Sustainability is a very big subject in the world of fashion, and luckily Africa is blessed with all the natural resources essential to making strong fabrics.” Ugandan designers, including Lincoln Axarya, Anita Beryl, Natasha Rubadiri, and UIFW founder Santa Anzo, will also showcase their creations, incorporating local materials such as barkcloth, kikoyi, and kitenge.
Beyond the fashion showcase, UIFW has incorporated a strong business component. “We opened the week with a Fashion and Business Expo that happened for three days, simply because we wanted these young creatives to be connected to markets,” explained UIFW founder Santa Anzo. The event aims to provide young creatives with market access, mentorship, and networking opportunities with industry leaders, investors, and cultural figures.
The models participating in the gala have been undergoing intensive preparation under the guidance of South African fashion producer Andiswa Manxiwa. The event is scheduled to commence at 6 pm, with doors opening earlier for guests. Tickets are available via the MTN MoMo App.