KAMPALA, Oct. 12 (Wallstreet Media) — The rhythmic pulse of drums and the roar of engines filled the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Saturday as thousands gathered for the long-awaited Kampala City Festival 2025. The city’s skyline shimmered with excitement, and at the center of the celebration stood Dr. Hamis Kiggundu, the businessman and philanthropist whose Ham Group of Companies became the driving force behind the event.
Two weeks before the festivities, Dr. Kiggundu announced a contribution of UGX 200 million, the largest private donation to this year’s edition. The gesture sparked renewed enthusiasm for the festival, which had been on hiatus for several years, symbolizing Kampala’s enduring optimism and unity.
By midmorning, streets from Buganda Road to Kololo transformed into a living mural of dance, music, and movement. Around 4,000 Ham Group representatives, dressed in signature festival outfits, paraded alongside ten custom-decorated trucks showcasing the company’s wide-ranging ventures—from real estate and manufacturing to philanthropy and technology.
“This is what Kampala feels like when we celebrate ourselves,” said a participant waving a Ham Group flag. “Dr. Ham gives us reason to believe that business and community can move together.”
The convoy, personally flagged off by Dr. Kiggundu, echoed this year’s theme—Culture, Innovation, and Sustainability. The event underscored the collaboration between private enterprise and civic identity, turning what was once a simple city festival into a platform for national pride.
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), which organized the festival, praised partners for their commitment to reviving the city’s most beloved event. “This is a festival of the people—a reminder of our creativity and resilience,” said Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, who toured the grounds with Minister for Kampala Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Kololo stage became a canvas of sound and light. Ugandan artists Ava Peace, Minister Rachael Kay, Pastor Wilson Bugembe, and the Watoto Children’s Choir energized the evening crowd, while Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, attending as Guest of Honour, commended KCCA and Ham Group for “building a celebration that reflects Kampala’s spirit.”
Across social media, Ham Group’s presence dominated timelines. Posts tagged #HamAtKCF2025 flooded platforms within hours, featuring vibrant photos of the parade captioned “For God and My Country.” The company’s involvement became both a cultural and digital highlight, reaffirming its place as a key force in Kampala’s civic life.
Speaking after the event, Dr. Kiggundu emphasized the broader vision behind the sponsorship. “True development thrives when business, government, and citizens move together,” he said. “Our role is to power that progress.”
As fireworks lit up the Kampala skyline, the 2025 City Festival closed on a high note—an emblem of unity, purpose, and renewal. For the thousands who attended, Ham Group’s participation was more than financial; it was inspirational, illuminating how enterprise can lift a city’s spirit.
When the final notes of “For God and My Country” echoed through Kololo, Kampala stood proud and hopeful once more.
Kampala celebrated. Ham Group delivered. And Dr. Hamis Kiggundu proved that prosperity shines brightest when shared.
