The famous Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) Arts and Culture Festival is back with a bang this year in its 4th Edition with a bang focusses on celebrating Uganda’s 60 years of independence.
Rhyming under the Theme “Celebrating Our Cultural Heritage”, the festival shall be happening at National Theatre grounds from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th and it will feature various acts from all spheres of Art. According to Robert Musiitwa, the Public Relationship Officer of UNCC, the event’s main objective is to take stock of the development of Art and Culture since 1962, to celebrate Art and Culture, to Edutain and Entertain Ugandans and other Art lovers.
During a press conference held at the National Theatre on Thursday morning, State Minister for Gender and Culture affairs Peace Mutuuzo painted a picture of what Ugandans should expect during this three days celebrations starting on Friday.
“We shall have official opening and opening Acts, symposium, Exhibitions and opening performances from Kathak dance troupe all the way from India and Winnie Nwagi.”
On Saturday which will be day 2 of the festival, there will be a cultural parade which will start from National Theatre at 9:00 a.m. through Siade Barre Road, Nile Avenue, Speak Hotel, Grand Imperial Hotel, Constitutional Square, Buganda Road, YMCA and the connect to Bombo and back to National Theatre through Kampala Road. The parade will be led by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
Additionally, Artistes led by organization like National Culture Forum, NUCPAAW, National Promoters Association and Uganda Musicians Association. The dressing code for parade will be an African wear including the Kitenge. Thereafter traditional dances and live performances will run aswell as Exhibitions and other activities including Comedy and Film Screenings will be on.
Sunday will be Independence Day and the 3 of the festival,. After the main celebrations in Kololo, there will be stage performances from 4:00 p.m. to midnight when the Festival closes. According to UNNC, the organizers of the event, the public should expect a host of activities especially the traditional dances from the different parts of the country, including Super Eagle from Kalongo, Nandujja and the Planets from Central, Bamasaba cultural troupe, Mugahinga cultural trope from Kisoro, Nie Beat, Alur Cultural troupe, Igongo cultural troupe, House of Talent, Mizizi ensemble, Kathak dance troupe all the way from India and many more.
There will also be some quality live performances from Artists like Azawi, Levixon, Ragga Dee, Winnie Nwangi, Suzan Kerunen among others.
“This Festival will help to create a market place where the Artistes, corporate and business community will meet to sell their products (Income) create employment opportunities and also help influence Government Policy. The public will also experience different cultures of Uganda and elsewhere.” Hon peace mutuuzo said
“We are calling upon all Art and Culture loving Ugandans, Heads of Cultural Institutions, Government Officials, Foreign Missions, tertiary Institutions and schools, the Media to join us as we celebrate the 3 day Annual Art and Culture Festival at National Theatre.” she added!
