Baganda top Nkozi university cultural festival competitions

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Uganda’s cultural diversity exposes young people to different foods, amazing experiences and ways of life. This was evident during the three-day cultural festival at the Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) Nkozi.

Over 500 students under their umbrella associations showcased different traditional foods, drinks, herbs and fruits. They also competed in singing the university anthem, folk songs and performing traditional dances.

The festival, which ran from March 13-15, 2025, at the university’s main campus in Nkozi, Mpigi district, saw several tribes, including the Baganda, Bamasaba, Itesots, Karimojong, Acholi and Langis take part. They were joined by South Sudanese and Sudanese.

At the end of the day, Baganda under BANKOSA (Baganda Nkobazambogo Students Association) emerged as winners and received a bull. They were followed by UMUGNESA (Uganda Martyrs University Great North and East Students Association) who won two goats. In third place was ⁠UMUSSA (Uganda Martyrs University South Sudanese Association), which won one goat. Next was ⁠TESDA (Teso Students Development Association) and ⁠Bamasaba Students Association.

South Sudanese showcased lots of dishes. (Credit: Ritah Mukasa)

Edgar Muyanja, secretary for culture, said, “We have learnt a lot and also appreciated each other’s cultures while forging long-lasting friendships”.

They had a cultural quiz, fashion show and competitions.

The event was supported by the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU), which operates in four universities, according to Annet Sumba, a research officer.

“We support students to appreciate their cultures through tangible and intangible ways. We are currently in Kyambogo, UMU, Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and Kabale universities,” she says.

Meanwhile, the event was officiated by Vincent Mutahunga, an alumni and principal quality assurance officer at Makerere University. He said that the festival helps to celebrate diversity all while uniting the students as they break different barriers.

“We have to keep reminding the young people to appreciate where they come from such that they are not overtaken by modernity. Our roots are important,” he says.

Similarly, the Rev. Fr Dr Christopher Mukidi, UMU deputy vice chancellor, pointed out that the festival enables students to recognize that they need to respect and cherish their cultures. Most importantly, they can develop businesses from the different foods people eat, dress code and dances.