Bold Fashion Week has concluded its inaugural edition in Kampala, bringing together 320 guests, designers and media representatives for three days of runway presentations, creative exchange and commerce at MoTIV Bugolobi.
Held from August 20 to 22, 2026, and organised by Bold in Africa and Malembe Lifestyle, the event marked 14 years of Bold in Africa’s commitment to developing and championing African design talent. The inaugural edition featured 10 designers from Uganda and Nigeria, bringing together emerging brands, fashion professionals, media and consumers.
Bold in Africa co-founder Nunu Mugyenyi said the event was created to give African designers greater visibility while strengthening connections between fashion talent and consumers. The successful debut demonstrated Kampala’s potential as an emerging destination for African fashion and creative enterprise.
The runway featured Ugandan designers Axarya, Discreet Leather, Good Fibre, Joan Jade, Kifahari, Kwesh, Lamara, Ofumbi and Shurea Yasmin, alongside Nigerian designer Yemi Shoyemi. Their collections explored African heritage, contemporary identity, craftsmanship and modern design, highlighting the depth and diversity of fashion talent across the continent.
The programme extended beyond the runway with a public market day on August 23, held in partnership with the Kampala Artisan Market. Consumers were able to meet designers, experience their collections and purchase directly from participating brands, creating a stronger connection between African design and the local market.
“It was great to see the designers on the runway and then be able to shop their collections the next day,” said one Bold Fashion Week attendee.
The event was supported by Johnnie Walker Uganda, I&M Bank Uganda, British Council Uganda, Agile Media and Fenon, with Drynq Coffee as a collaborator. Joram Model Management contributed to show production, model management and backstage coordination, while Mona Faces and Hair by Zziwa supported the runway’s beauty and hair direction.
Founded in 2012, Bold in Africa is a retail incubator and fashion platform dedicated to helping emerging African labels develop into sustainable, globally competitive businesses through mentorship, retail opportunities and market access.
The inaugural Bold Fashion Week strengthens Kampala’s growing fashion ecosystem by creating opportunities for African designers to connect with consumers, industry and international audiences, while positioning the city as an emerging hub for fashion and creative enterprise.
