HomeThe FestivalPartners & approvals

Endorsed, approved, and underway

The Emaali Cultural Festival has moved from concept to active implementation, with formal approvals and commitments already in place ahead of 24–25 October 2026.

Approvals secured

On the record

Two formal letters anchor this record. They are reproduced below with their reference numbers, dates and conditions exactly as issued.

Ministry of Defence & Veteran Affairs · Ref. FAD 40/116/02 · 29 May 2026

Venue grant — Kololo Ceremonial Grounds

Use of the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds is granted to the Iteso Cultural Union for the premier Emaali Festival on 24th October 2026, with access for setup from 23rd October 2026. Use of the premises is subject to the following conditions:

  • The event is restricted to the paved grounds and lawns; care must be taken to protect the pavers during pitching of tents.
  • The organizers are to provide tentage for accommodation of guests where necessary.
  • Responsibility for power supply rests with the organizers; the Resident Engineer – UPDF will advise on technicalities.
  • Cleanliness of the grounds is to be ensured by the organizing team immediately after the function.
  • The Ministry provides only general security to the property; the organizers must ensure the security of guests and their property while on the grounds.

The grant as issued names 24 October; the festival now runs 24–25 October and the Union is updating the approval.

Ref.
FAD 40/116/02
Dated
29 May 2026
Event
24 October 2026
Set-up
From 23 October 2026

Read the announcement: Kololo Ceremonial Grounds granted for the Festival

Uganda Tourism Board · Ref. MKT 424/662/01 · 17 June 2026

Tourism partnership confirmed

The Uganda Tourism Board confirmed its partnership with the Iteso Cultural Union for the Emaali Cultural Festival 2026, committing a defined package of support:

  • Advertising and media support.
  • Digital and creative support.
  • Marketing and promotional materials support.
  • Cluster support contribution of UGX 10 million.
  • Participation through attendance and exhibition.
  • Branding support and facilitation of the press launch.

This partnership answers the Iteso Cultural Union’s letter of 5 May 2026 (Ref. ICU_MOT26/005), which asked the Uganda Tourism Board for a senior officer seconded to the organizing committee, a national media brief, air time on TV talk shows and live streaming, customized radio and TV advertising, publicity materials, and official endorsement for funding.

That support is now on screen: through October 2026, Explore Uganda — the Board’s destination brand — is running a campaign for the festival on X and Instagram, under #EmaaliCulturalFestival.

Signed by Juliana Kagwa, Chief Executive Officer, Uganda Tourism Board.

Letter from the Uganda Tourism Board, reference MKT 424/662/01, dated 17 June 2026, confirming six forms of support for the Emaali Festival 2026, signed by Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa.

The letter as issued. Select to enlarge.

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

Stakeholders

The coalition behind Emaali

From confirmed partners with formal letters on file to institutions the Union is actively courting.

Government & statutory bodies

  • Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) ConfirmedMarketing the festival as a domestic and international cultural-tourism destination.
  • Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social DevelopmentCultural policy alignment and official endorsement.
  • Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA)Venue logistics and urban mobilization.

Community stakeholders

  • The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) ConfirmedTraditional legitimacy and leadership.
  • Teso Parliamentary GroupAdvocacy at the national legislative level.
  • The Teso DiasporaBrand ambassadors and contributors to the fundraising targets.

Corporate partners

  • Telecommunications (MTN / Airtel)Mobile-money fundraising platforms and mass marketing.
  • Beverage companies (Nile Breweries / UBL)Sponsorship of entertainment segments and refreshment zones.
  • Banking sector (Centenary / PostBank / Stanbic)Cultural Centre fund management, prioritizing banks with a strong presence in Teso.

Development & academic partners

  • UNESCO & international cultural organisationsTechnical support for the feasibility study and heritage preservation.
  • Engineering & architectural firmsPro-bono or discounted technical expertise for the monument and the Emaali Producer’s house.
  • Makerere & Kyambogo UniversitiesDocumenting cultural elements for the feasibility study.

Join the coalition

Bring your organisation in

Formal approvals are in place and the coalition is growing — bring your organization into the credibility this record has already earned.

Partner & Sponsor
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