KAMPALA – The Central Broadcasting Service (CBS), the Buganda Kingdom–owned radio station, has officially launched the 2025 edition of the Enkuuka festival—its annual end-of-year celebration that ushers Ugandans into the new year. This year’s event, themed “Enkuuka Bwaguuga,” will take place on December 31 at the Buganda Royal Palace in Mengo.
Organisers project that the 2025 edition will attract at least 200,000 attendees, making it one of the biggest celebrations in the country.
CBS Managing Director Michael Kawooya Mwebe said the festival will offer an exceptional experience, with an expanded line-up of entertainment and community initiatives.
“Expect nothing but a special edition this year,” Kawooya said. “We anticipate a huge turnout and have lined up a wide range of activities—including bike racing, wrestling, music performances, and animal viewing. We also have gifts for lucky winners, including land, motorcycles, and cars.”
He added that CBS and its partners have agreed to extend the festival’s impact beyond a single-day celebration by rolling out long-term programmes aimed at empowering young people and women in Buganda.
“We will introduce low-interest loans and financial literacy training. This partnership will run for three years, with an option for extension,” he noted.
MTN Uganda, the prime sponsor of Enkuuka Bwaguuga, announced special offers to encourage public participation.
Augustine Lure, representing MTN, revealed a discounted communication bundle and reduced ticket prices for customers.
“We have introduced the Enkuuka Special Bundle—35 minutes across all networks for only Shs1,000, available via the MyMTN App or by dialling 10021#,” Lure said. “Anyone who buys their festival ticket through MTN MoMo will pay Shs8,000 instead of the regular Shs10,000. With our strong mobilization network, we are confident we will help reach the 200,000-reveller target.”
Movit, one of the sponsors also threw their weight behind the event, contributing Shs 342 million in support.
The government has pledged heightened security to ensure the safety of all revellers.
Ariho Moses, Deputy RCC for Rubaga Division, said security teams are fully prepared.
“It is our responsibility to guarantee the safety of everyone attending,” he said. “We will secure both people and their property, and we will also help mobilize the public. On the event day, certain roads will be closed to vehicles to ensure smooth movement of revellers.”
The Enkuuka festival remains one of Buganda’s most anticipated cultural and entertainment events, celebrated for blending tradition, music, and community engagement as Ugandans welcome the new year.
(pml daily)