UIFW 2026 challenges fashion industry to turn creativity into business

What the report says

Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW) 2026 opened on August 31 at the Uganda Manufacturers Association Multipurpose Hall in Lugogo, with its Fashion and Business Expo highlighting an effort to push the country’s fashion sector beyond aesthetics and into jobs, enterprise and market access. According to Sqoop Uganda, the opening brought together designers, businesses, development partners, buyers and other industry stakeholders to discuss how creative talent can be linked to sustainable careers.

This year’s edition is running under the theme “Fashion for Impact” and includes participants from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi and India. Visiting designers have been involved in mentorship, panel discussions, networking and knowledge-sharing with young Ugandan creatives, while model training has also been part of the programme. Sqoop Uganda reported that the expo is intended to give emerging talent practical exposure to buyers, mentors and business partners.

Founder Santa Anzo said the key challenge is not a shortage of talent, but building the structures needed to turn creativity into viable businesses, jobs and exports. The article also quoted Dr Ruth Aisha Biyinzika of the GROW Project and Faizo Kiweewa of Bayimba Foundation, who pointed to mentorship, financing, inclusion and access to markets as important for young people, especially women. Kiweewa said the CREATE programme aims to support more than 9,000 young people over three years. The week will end with a grand finale on September 5 at Kampala Serena Hotel.