Bayimba Festival 2026 brings music, film, fashion and visual art to Lunkulu Island

The three-day festival will feature more than 20 Ugandan and international acts across several stages, alongside exhibitions, workshops, industry discussions and cultural activities. The programme is designed to combine live performances with opportunities for audiences to engage with artists and other creative practitioners.

Among the performers scheduled for the main stage are Dr Jose Chameleone, Karole Kasita, Winnie Nwagi, Feffe Bussi, John Blaq, Ava Peace, Kataleya & Kandle, Lily Kadima, Pretty Banks, Nilotika Ensemble and Mimi Kampala. The late-night programme will feature DJs including Sheila Gashumba, DJ Kayrah, Shie Money, MaryJo, Dark Empress and Anitrax.

The festival will also extend beyond the main music stages through a series of themed spaces. At Wakaliwood Village, visitors will be able to attend film screenings, set tours, special-effects workshops, stunt demonstrations, green-screen acting sessions and discussions with filmmakers.

The Nilotika Cultural Village will host artisan networking and recycling workshops, as well as traditional dance and fashion-recycling masterclasses. The Princess Elizabeth Bagaya Fashion House will host industry panel discussions, while the Open Spaces Exhibition will present contemporary visual art, sculpture and live graffiti. Night-time tours will incorporate illuminated installations around the island.

Bayimba will also continue its focus on developing opportunities for emerging creatives, particularly young women working in music, film and design. The programme will connect emerging artists with established industry figures through mentorship, shared performances and networking opportunities.

The festival will combine its arts programme with recreational and wellness activities. At Bukunja Beach, visitors can take part in beach volleyball, attend evening storytelling sessions and join nightly reggae beach parties. Yoga and physical activities will also be available at the football pitch on Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons.

The combination of music, arts, professional development and outdoor activities makes the festival distinct from a conventional concert-based event. Its setting on Lunkulu Island also places the creative programme within a natural environment, allowing visitors to move between performances, exhibitions, workshops and recreational activities throughout the weekend.

Early-bird passes are priced at UGX 30,000 (about $8), while gate passes cost UGX 50,000. Tickets are available through Quicket, with further information on travel and festival arrangements available from Bayimba.