Partners & 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:

Conditions of use
  1. The event is restricted to the paved grounds and lawns; care must be taken to protect the pavers during pitching of tents.
  2. The organizers are to provide tentage for accommodation of guests where necessary.
  3. Responsibility for power supply rests with the organizers; the Resident Engineer – UPDF will advise on technicalities.
  4. Cleanliness of the grounds is to be ensured by the organizing team immediately after the function.
  5. 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.

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 — set out in full below.

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

As announced at the press launch, August 2026

Festival partners

Explore Uganda — placeholder, logo to follow

Explore Uganda

Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities — placeholder, logo to follow

Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities

Soroti University — placeholder, logo to follow

Soroti University

Office of the President — placeholder, logo to follow

Office of the President

Confirmed support

What UTB has committed

  • 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.

Stakeholders

The coalition behind Emaali

To ensure the festival’s success and the realization of its infrastructure goals, the following organizations and groups are engaged and being engaged — from confirmed partners with formal letters on file to institutions the Union is actively courting.

Government & statutory bodies

  • Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development

    Cultural policy alignment and official endorsement.

  • Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Confirmed partner

    Marketing the festival as a domestic and international cultural-tourism destination.

  • Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA)

    Venue logistics and urban mobilization.

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 organisations

    Technical support for the feasibility study and heritage preservation.

  • Engineering & architectural firms

    Pro-bono or discounted technical expertise for the monument and the Emaali Producer’s house.

  • Makerere & Kyambogo Universities

    Documenting cultural elements for the feasibility study.

Community stakeholders

  • The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) Confirmed partner

    Traditional legitimacy and leadership.

  • Teso Parliamentary Group

    Advocacy at the national legislative level.

  • The Teso Diaspora

    Brand ambassadors and contributors to the fundraising targets.

Join the coalition

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

Partner & Sponsor
Contact the Union