In a high-level engagement that radiated vision and purpose, Hajati Sharifah Buzeki the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) on Wednesday paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Secretariat and was received by Director Stephen Mpagi Kalibbala chairman Estates, Dr Ezra Rubanda the Executive Director and Haji Mubaraka Nkuutu Director membership. The meeting, marked by energy, ambition, and mutual respect, has sparked what many are calling the beginning of a renewed and transformative partnership poised to reshape the landscape, economy, and social fabric of Uganda’s capital city. From environmental sustainability and economic empowerment to cultural celebration and public health, the discussions were rich with actionable ideas and a shared commitment to inclusive urban progress.

1.Kampala City Carnival Meets the 31st Trade Fair Culture and Commerce Collide:

Among the most exciting outcomes of the meeting was the announcement of a historic collaboration: the Kampala City Carnival will be merged with the 31st Uganda International Trade Fair in 2025, creating an extraordinary dual event that promises to be both a cultural spectacle and a commercial powerhouse. Imagine Kampala lit up with colour, music, dance, and celebration while simultaneously serving as a dynamic platform for business networking, showcasing innovation, and securing investment deals. This fusion of festivity and opportunity will place Kampala firmly on the regional and global map as a vibrant, investor-friendly, and culturally rich metropolis.

2.Boosting Local Trade Keeping Uganda’s Wealth at Home: Economic empowerment featured prominently in the talks, with both institutions aligning around a bold economic principle: Uganda’s money should work for Ugandans.KCCA and UMA committed to forging stronger ties between local manufacturers and the city’s retail networks. The goal is to reduce reliance on imported goods, foster demand for Ugandan-made products, and elevate homegrown brands in Kampala’s bustling marketplaces.By supporting local production and consumption, this initiative promises not only to grow businesses, but also to create more meaningful employment opportunities for Ugandans and build a more self-reliant national economy.

3.Greening Kampala Towards a “City in a Garden”: At the forefront of the meeting was a visionary green agenda. KCCA and UMA pledged to collaborate on transforming Kampala into a true “City in a Garden.” This ambitious urban greening campaign goes far beyond simply planting trees it aims to embed environmental resilience into the heart of city planning. Proposed initiatives include the establishment of tree-lined boulevards, expansion of urban forestry, and adoption of progressive, eco-friendly urban policies.This partnership envisions a cooler, cleaner, and more sustainable Kampala one that embraces nature, mitigates climate risks, and enhances quality of life for present and future generations.

4.Health and Well-being: A City That Puts People First Health equity and access to care were also given top priority. KCCA expressed full support for UMA’s new health camp initiative, an outreach program designed to bring essential medical services directly to communities and workplaces across the city.From free preventive screenings to health education and wellness campaigns, this joint effort will ensure that the people of Kampala especially those in underserved areas receive the care they need. It’s a powerful statement that urban development must be human-centered and inclusive.

5.A Shared Vision for a Thriving Kampala

In her remarks, the KCCA Executive Director commended UMA for its pivotal role in driving Uganda’s economic growth, describing the association as a cornerstone of national development. UMA’s leadership, in turn, expressed deep confidence in KCCA’s transformative vision and reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate for the greater good.

With greener neighborhoods, thriving local enterprises, landmark cultural events, and a renewed focus on public health, the direction is unmistakable: Kampala is on the move.

In conclusion, the message from this historic meeting was unmistakable: Kampala’s brightest days are not a distant dream they are within reach. The path toward a smarter, greener, healthier, and more prosperous capital begins now, fueled by increased engagement and collaboration, especially through the B2B interactions at the tradeshow.