Mbale, Uganda: Organizers of the Elgon Festival 2025 have confirmed that preparations are complete ahead of what is expected to be a grand celebration of culture, nature, and local development, hosted by the Bamasaaba people.
Held annually to showcase the cultural heritage of the nine Elgon ethnicities from Uganda and Kenya, this year’s festival will take place from 5th to 7th September 2025 and promises an unforgettable experience, combining music, hiking, crafts, and community engagement.
Mr James Kutosi, the Public Relations Officer, Mbale City, urged the public to attend, emphasizing the festival’s economic potential in boosting local tourism and markets. “This festival creates high demand for local goods and services and brings people together from different backgrounds, which directly benefits our local economy,” said Kutosi at the press conference held on Wednesday, May 21, to launch the event.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is partnering with Mbale City authorities to integrate conservation education into the cultural celebrations.
Mr Emmanuel Eluka, a representative of UWA, said the authority will facilitate guided hikes through the scenic Bushiyi trail on Mt. Elgon, promoting sustainable tourism.
Creative Market, one of the festival’s strategic partners, highlighted the platform’s role in nurturing local talent and providing exposure to artisans. Japhet Situma, the Market’s founder, says this year’s edition will break records, with a format that spreads activities across three culturally-themed nights:
- Bamasaaba Night – A celebration of the traditions, cuisine, and crafts of the Bamasaaba.
- International Night – Featuring artists and performers from across East Africa and beyond.
- National Night – A spotlight on top Ugandan talent from Kampala and other regions.
Musosi Ibra, the General Manager of Creative Market – Sironko, echoed this, stating the festival will offer new opportunities for performers and creatives.
Ms Priscila Kainza Mungoma, the proprietor and lead coordinator of the festival, said this year’s programme lineup includes music, drama, youth mentorship sessions, hiking expeditions, and cultural tours in Wanale and Bulambuli.
Meanwhile, City entertainer MC Izaak commended the platform for elevating talent like Titus Vibes, whose past performance during the festival drew record-breaking attendance.
Elgon Festival is an elaborate cultural extravaganza and music showcase from peoples in and around Mt. Elgon region from both Kenya and Uganda. Mt. Elgon is an extinct volcano and has the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world, and its 4,321m peak is the eighth highest in Africa.
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