The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has granted the Iteso Cultural Union the use of Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for the premier Emaali Cultural Festival. The grant, referenced FAD 40/116/02 and dated 29 May 2026, names 24 October 2026 as the day of the event and admits the organising team to the grounds from 23 October to set up.
Kololo is where Uganda holds its national ceremonies. Taking Emaali there is the whole point of the Aramata Kampala edition: to put Teso’s music, food, craft and language on the country’s most public ground, and not only in the region that made them.
Five conditions
The Ministry attached terms to the use of the premises. The organising committee is planning against each of them.
- The event is restricted to the paved grounds and lawns, and care must be taken to protect the pavers when tents are pitched.
- Tentage for the accommodation of guests is to be provided by the organisers where necessary.
- Responsibility for power supply rests with the organisers; the Resident Engineer, UPDF, advises on the technicalities.
- Cleanliness of the grounds is to be ensured by the organising team immediately after the function.
- The Ministry provides only general security to the property. The security of guests and their property while on the grounds is the organisers’ responsibility.
The letter is reproduced, as issued, on the Partners & Approvals page.
Update, 12 August 2026: the published poster sets the Festival over two days — Saturday and Sunday, 24–25 October 2026, 7am till late.
