A line of Ajosi dancers bent low in unison in front of the Emaali Cultural Festival banner, with seated guests behind them.
A delegation walking on a tree-lined ground: a Union official in a leopard-print cap and robe leads, with a pilot and other members of the party alongside him.
Ajosi dancers in raffia skirts throwing their arms skyward, the Emaali Cultural Festival banner overhead.
Ajosi dancers in patterned skirts mid-step, moving along the line together.

The Iteso Cultural Union presents · “Teso to the World”

Emaali Cultural Festival 2026

Ikon Ikoku Eyauni

Celebrating Heritage, Building a Legacy

Plan your visit
Sponsor & Exhibit
24–25
October
When
Saturday & Sunday, 24–25 October 2026 · 7am till late
Where
Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, Kampala
Chief Guest
H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda
Days to go
–

With the support ofVenue granted by the Ministry of Defence & Veteran Affairs; partnership confirmed by the Uganda Tourism Board.

  • Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities
See the record

ITwo days at Kololo

Six experiences, across two days

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Teso — from traditional cuisine and vibrant dance to heritage-inspired fashion, every moment celebrates the stories, creativity, and spirit of the Iteso people.

Plan your visit

  1. The “Akurut” Culinary Village

    Traditional Teso delicacies — Asis, Atapa, Ebeele — served with live cooking demonstrations.

  2. The Ajosi & Akogo Dance Off

    Folk-dance troupes from across the districts compete in a high-energy showcase of Teso rhythm.

  3. Emaali Innovation Hub

    An exhibition space for local artisans working in pottery, basketry, and black-smithing, with masterclasses where visitors can learn basic weaving or beadwork.

  4. Teso Heritage Trail

    A digital and physical walk-through gallery using photography and artifacts to trace the Iteso story from migration to the modern era.

  5. The Emorimor Gala Dinner

    A high-level evening fundraising segment, featuring a silent auction of Teso-inspired contemporary art and crafts.

  6. “Eipone Loka Iteso” Fashion Show

    Bark cloth and animal-print heritage aesthetics, reimagined on a modern runway.

IIThe Festival

Our Heritage, Our Future

The Teso community carries a rich inheritance of history, art, and traditional wisdom — yet no centralized cultural hub has existed to preserve it or carry it to a wider audience. The Emaali Cultural Festival was conceived to close that gap, bringing the heart of Teso to the capital.

Named for the industrious, creative spirit of the Iteso people, Emaali is both a showcase of that heritage and the bridge toward building its lasting home.

“Bringing the heart of Teso to the capital city.”
About the festival
Five people stand behind a desk under an Explore Uganda sign, each holding a woven Explore Uganda plaque.
Ajosi dancers seen from behind, circling inward towards the centre of the floor, the Emaali seal visible above them.
A delegation walking on a tree-lined ground: a Union official in a leopard-print cap and robe leads, with a pilot and other members of the party alongside him.

IIITake part

Teso to the World

One festival, three ways to take part.

Ajosi dancers in raffia skirts throwing their arms skyward, the Emaali Cultural Festival banner overhead.
01

Attend the Festival

Six signature experiences across two days at Kololo — culinary village, folk dance, artisan craft, and a Teso-inspired fashion show.

Plan your day
A man in a leopard-print cap holds a pen over papers on the briefing desk while the man beside him faces the camera.
02

Partner & Sponsor

Thirteen partnership packages, from exhibition space to principal partner, each built to place your brand inside a heritage movement.

View the packages
A delegation walking on a tree-lined ground: a Union official in a leopard-print cap and robe leads, with a pilot and other members of the party alongside him.
03

Support the Legacy

Fund the Teso Cultural Centre, a landmark monument, and a home for the Emaali Producer — the festival’s lasting legacy.

See the vision

IVFestival News

The Latest

All news
Press

Explore Uganda takes Emaali to its audience
Announcements

Follow the Festival online
Updates

What the two days are for

VThe Emaali Shop

Wear the festival

Everything the Union makes for the Festival. Collect at Kololo on 24–25 October, or have it delivered.

Visit the shop
Studio render of the Heritage Black polo, front.

Heritage Black Polo

UGX 50,000

Sizes S–XXL
Studio render of the Ivory polo, front.

Ivory Polo

UGX 50,000

Sizes S–XXL

Emaali Crest Pin

UGX 5,000

Keepsakes

Two days at Kololo

Ikon Ikoku Eyauni

One weekend in Kampala. A legacy for generations.

Plan your visit
Sponsor & Exhibit
Date
Saturday & Sunday, 24–25 October 2026
Venue
Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, Kampala
Host
The Iteso Cultural Union