Staff
The 18th edition of the Bayimba International Festival of the Arts, popularly known as Bayimba Festival 2026, is in full swing as Lunkulu Island comes alive with music, art and culture.
The three-day festival officially kicked off on Friday, August 28, and runs until Sunday, August 30, 2026, transforming the scenic island around the Mukono-Buikwe area into a vibrant hub for creatives and arts lovers.
Now on its second day, Saturday, August 29, the festival continues to attract audiences with a packed programme featuring music, dance, theatre, film, fashion, photography, visual arts and other creative experiences.
Ugandan artists have taken centre stage at the festival, with performances from popular acts including Karole Kasita and John Blaq among those attracting attention from revellers.
But Bayimba is much bigger than music. The festival also features creative workshops, exhibitions and immersive artistic experiences, bringing together creatives and audiences from Uganda, across East Africa and beyond.
Over the years, Bayimba has established itself as one of Uganda’s leading multidisciplinary arts platforms, giving artists space to showcase their work, collaborate and connect with audiences while celebrating diverse forms of culture.
With one more day remaining, Lunkulu Island is expected to remain buzzing as artists and festival-goers continue to embrace the colourful celebration of Uganda’s creative industry.
