Strictly Soul Kampala (Independence Day Edition) takes place on Wednesday, October 8, 2026

Kampala’s Independence Weekend Calendar Is Packed With Music, Culture, Fashion and Good Living

Kampala is entering another packed Independence Weekend, with Afro House, Y2K nostalgia, pageantry, cultural festivals, luxury brunches and family experiences competing for attention from October 8 to 11.

From Afro House and Y2K nostalgia to pageantry, brunch, family fun and a three-day escape to Jinja, this weekend offers plenty of reasons to step out.

AfroBeeza Brings Afro House Energy to Vanquish

Kampala’s rooftop party circuit gets an Afro House injection on Thursday as AfroBeeza takes over Vanquish Lounge at Acacia Mall.

The October 8 experience brings together Abryanz, Sheila Salta, DJ Gero, The Lost Road, Smol Eyezz, Aweko Brian, Ssewa Ssewa, Prof Jowie, DJ Young Mone and Timans, with guest DJs Chrome Cartel and D.K. Expect a blend of Afro House, EDM and House music running from 5pm into the early hours. Tickets start at Shs70,000.

When: October 8

Where: Vanquish Lounge, Acacia Mall Rooftop

Music: Afro House, EDM & House

Tickets: From Shs70,000

Strictly Soul Kampala

Strictly Soul Kampala (Independence Day Edition) takes place on Wednesday, October 8, 2026, at the Mestil Hotel in Kampala, running from 19:00 to 01:00.

Event Details

Date & Time: Wednesday, October 8, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM

Venue: Mestil Hotel, Kampala

Lineup & Hosts: Music by DJ Akio, Eyo Mackus, and DJ Bamos, hosted by Shelia Salta

Music Genre: R&B and soul classics, new school hits, and singalong

Tickets: Priced between UGX 50,000 and UGX 100,000

The Bugy Show Goes Full Y2K at MOTIV

If your playlist still has a soft spot for the early 2000s, The Bugy Show Y2K Edition is making a case for a nostalgic Thursday night.

Set for October 8 at MOTIV, Old Port Bell, the party leans into the fashion, sounds and throwback energy of the Y2K era. Gates open at 2pm, with early-bird tickets at Shs35,000 and gate tickets at Shs50,000.

It is less about remembering the era and more about stepping back into it for a night.

When: October 8

Where: MOTIV, Old Port Bell

Gates: 2pm

Tickets: Shs35,000 early bird | Shs50,000 at the gate

Zonke Brings ‘Brigge Club’ to Jinja

Jinja gets its own cultural and musical moment on Saturday as Zonke Africa presents Brigge Club House, featuring Mwami Kiyumba.

Taking place on October 10 at Source of the Nile Hotel, the event promises an experience rooted in contemporary African sounds and culture, with Jinja providing the backdrop for a night away from Kampala’s familiar nightlife circuit.

For those looking to turn the weekend into a road trip, this one offers another reason to head east.

When: October 10

Where: Source of the Nile Hotel, Jinja

Featuring: Mwami Kiyumba

Afro Migration Takes the Weekend to the Nile

For a weekend that feels like more than just another party, Afro Migration Festival heads to Jinja from October 9 to 11.

The three-day experience at Nile Nest Resort brings together music, food, fashion, art and riverside camping, with Ugandan artist Echoled leading the musical offering. The festival is shaping up as an Independence Weekend escape for people looking to trade Kampala’s traffic for the River Nile.

When: October 9–11

Where: Nile Nest Resort, Jinja

Highlight: Echoled

Experience: Music, fashion, food, art & camping

Independence at Black Panther

Uganda’s Independence celebrations continue into the night at Black Panther Kampala on Friday.

The October 9 party brings together City Girl, DJ Anselm and Viana Indi, promising a soundtrack of Afrobeats, urban sounds and party anthems. With the venue already known for its energetic nightlife, the celebration is designed to give Independence Day a distinctly Kampala after-dark flavour.

When: October 9

Where: Black Panther Kampala, Bukoto–Kisaasi

Featuring: City Girl, DJ Anselm, Viana Indi & more

Entry: Free

Strictly Nyigos Takes the Party Into the Jungle

For those who prefer their nightlife with a little mystery, Strictly Nyigos in the Jungle promises an immersive Friday experience.

Scheduled for October 9, the event swaps the conventional club aesthetic for a jungle-inspired setting, with tickets advertised at Shs50,000 for early birds and Shs100,000 for Phase One. It is the kind of themed party where the setting becomes almost as important as the music.

When: October 9

Theme: In the Jungle

Early Bird: Shs50,000

Phase One: Shs100,000

Miss Uganda 2026 Grand Finale

The spotlight turns to beauty, fashion and national pride on Saturday when the Miss Uganda 2026 Grand Finale takes over Sheraton Gardens.

The finale, scheduled for October 10 at 6pm, brings the 2026 competition to its defining moment as finalists battle for the crown. The evening will also feature a performance by Grace Nakimera, adding live music to the pageantry.

After weeks of preparation, presentation nights and public engagement, the question finally becomes simple: who takes the crown?

When: October 10

Time: 6pm

Where: Sheraton Gardens

Performance: Grace Nakimera

Early Bird: Shs70,000

The Macallan Estate Brunch

Sunday gets a more polished treatment with The Macallan Estate Brunch, an intimate food-and-drinks experience at Aurous.

Running from noon to 7pm on October 11, the brunch pairs The Macallan with an all-inclusive gourmet banquet. Packages range from Shs250,000 per person, with table packages available for groups and guests choosing between The Macallan 12 Years and 15 Years.

It is less about rushing through Sunday and more about making an occasion of it.

When: October 11

Time: 12pm–7pm

Where: Aurous

Per person: Shs250,000

Table packages: From Shs1.4m

Dstrkt24 Turns Sunday Into Family Day

Not every weekend plan needs a late night.

At Dstrkt24 on Kira Road, Sundays are being built around families, with Family Day running from 10am to 4pm and free entry.

Children can expect activities including clowns, mascots, face painting, bouncing castles, balloon twisting and candy, making it an easy option for parents looking to give the little ones their own weekend adventure.

When: Every Sunday

Time: 10am–4pm

Where: Dstrkt24, Kira Road

Entry: Free

Activities: Face painting, mascots, bouncing castles, clowns, balloon twisting & more

The Edwizzy Fest

Thursday night also belongs to The Edwizzy Fest, which takes over Black Panther Lounge on October 8.

Beginning at 2pm and running into the night, the event brings together music, fashion and Kampala nightlife culture for an afternoon-to-night experience. With Black Panther as its setting, the festival is positioned as another major stop on Thursday’s crowded entertainment circuit.

When: October 8

Where: Black Panther Lounge

Doors: 2pm

Tickets: Shs80,000

Tags:Miss Uganda 2026Zonke AfricaKampala Events