Festival - Obulo Bwaffe Festival
In March 2025, the Njabala Foundation is thrilled to present its Annual Njabala Exhibition (ANE), continuing its mission since 2021 to celebrate and empower women artists across Uganda, Africa and the diaspora. This platform showcases extraordinary talent while sparking critical conversations that challenge societal norms and inspire change. ANE 2025 is conceived within the Njabala Foundation’s debut Obulo Bwaffe festival. Inspired by the Obulo Bwaffe folklore, the festival honors women as custodians of power, knowledge and agency amidst societal pressures. More than a festival, "Obulo Bwaffe" reimagines traditional narratives through a contemporary feminist lens, creating a transformative platform for art, storytelling, dialogue and knowledge production. Taking place 7th - 13th March, the festival will include exhibitions, performances, talks, mentorship programmes, workshops, film screenings, book readings, poetry, round tables, speed meetings, talks, music, dance, among others. Featured exhibitions taking places in multiple venues across Kampala will last through the end of March.
The Obulo Bwaffe folklore tells the tale of Nakato and Babirye, twin sisters tasked by their mother, Nalongo, to protect their millet field from hungry birds during a time of famine. As the birds descend upon the field, they boldly proclaim, "Nakato leave us to eat... Babirye leave us to eat... our millet for life." This audacious declaration from the birds mirrors the societal attitudes that often exploit women's resources and labor. The story serves as a potent metaphor for women's enduring strength and their right to own and control their own resources. The Obulo Bwaffe folklore, with its emphasis on the sisters' guardianship of their mother's millet, underscores the importance of women's role in several forms of production and their inherent right to the fruits of their labor. The birds' demand, "Let's eat our millet for life," symbolizes the societal pressures and expectations that often encroach upon women's autonomy and ownership.
This timeless tale resonates deeply in contemporary society, where women continue to face challenges in asserting their rights and controlling their own destinies. The Obulo Bwaffe folklore serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of women's power, agency and their right to self-determination. The lore foregrounds the need to challenge the systems that seek to exploit and oppress women. Consequently, the Obulo Bwaffe festival aims to capture the essence of the Obulo Bwaffe folklore while emphasizing its contemporary relevance. It highlights the core themes of women's empowerment, resource control, and the struggle against oppression, making it a valuable tool for sparking discussions and inspiring action.
Line-up
Doreen Mirembe
Hilda Awori
Andrew Mayiga Kaggwa
Amaka Obioma
Carolyne M. Acen
Kayendeke Zoey Patricia
Sandra Suubi
Pamela Enyonu
Evelyn Bageire
Natasha Karungi
Martha Kazungu
Wairimũ Nduba
Dianah Bwengye
Anna Maria Nabirye
Sheila Nakitende
Turakella Editha Gyindo
Sarah Waiswa
Nicole Remus
Maria Olivia Nakato
Nafkot Gebeyehu
Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa
Jepkorir Rose
Dr. Portia Malatjie
Georgina Maxim
Ba Taonga Julia Kaunda-Kaseka
Prof. Dr. Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung
Yinka Elujoba
Saziso Phiri
Innocent Ekejiuba
Dr. Kate Cowcher
Teesa Bahana
Keith Mugenyi
Nabaggala Lilian Maximillian
Folashade Akintunde
Damilola Akin-Olasupo
Eje
Eleanora Ikulaye Yarsh
Odunayo Odedoyin
Oluwasayo Ajetunmobi
Kirabo Suubi
Darren Akoragye
Florence Nanteza
Iyara Norah Karabo
Nabulime Victoria
Rebecca Khamala
Roselock Namirimo
Aliba Linda Susan
Projects
Ayeyi
Amaka Obioma
Muted Sighs
Carolyne Afroetry MA
Value Communication/The Artist as A Brand (The Drill #4)
Every Day Queens
Pamela Enyonu
Black Joy Matters
Anna Maria Nabirye
NEITWE BA NYABINGYI
Natasha Karungi
Nakasero: A Story Etched in Fire and Resilience
Eva Bageire
Looking within
Diana Bwengye
Celebrating the Art and Archives of Everlyn Nicodemus
Dr. Kate Cowcher
Acoustic Veils: Fragility, Containment and Black Sonic Curation
Dr. Portia Malatjie
Cultivating Legacies
Teesa Bahana, Kirabo Suubi, Pamela Enyonu, Andrew Kaggwa (others speakers tbc)
Uncaptive Curating: Alternative Spaces and Practices
Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa
Curating as a Path to Agency and Power by Sarah Waiswa
Sarah Waiswa
The Funnest Room In The House: Kitchen Portals
Anna Maria Nabirye
Some Spirits Need An Introduction
Taonga Julia Kaunda-Kaseka
Rebuilding
Rose Jepkorir
Headscarf of an Art Space
Georgina Maxim
Njabala
Kabera Angel Amahoro
Congossa as Curatorial Methodology
Prof. Dr. Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung
Programme
Our seven day schedule is jam-packed with brilliant, creative, Aspiring participants.
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Press Conference
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Press Conference
Alliance Conference Room
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Exhibition Openings & Fundraiser
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Exhibition opening ceremony
Afropocene
10:00AM - 12:00PM
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Exhibition opening
the Capsule
2:00PM - 4:00PM
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Exhibition opening
Xensons Art Space
6:00PM - 8:00PM
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POP up online shop
Njabala Blossom Fundraiser
4:00PM - 4:00PM
Festival Opening Day
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Curatorial Mentorship session
Lily Gardens Kyanja
8:00AM - 12:00PM
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Official Festival opening ceremony
Dance & Poetry show Performances - Alliance Basement
6:00PM - 9:00PM
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Djset / Party
Alliance Rooftop
10:00PM - 12:00AM
Tours & Talks
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Kampala Tour for international guests
Tembea Kampala Walk Tours
8:00AM - 11:00AM
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Children's corner storytelling
Xenson art space TBC
12:00PM - 3:00PM
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Curators talks and Panels
Venue TBC
3:00PM - 6:00PM
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Farewell dinner for international guests
7:00PM - 9:00PM
Workshops & Talks
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Gathering with 32
9:00AM - 12:00PM
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A dive into the 60s
Remnants from our ongoing research project - Nommo Gallery (Kate Cowcher talk)
2:00PM - 4:00PM
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Online/physical workshop on personal branding
with Innocent Ekejiuba with applicants of the Annual Njabala open call applicants through the years. Number of participants TBC and lead TBC
5:00PM - 8:00PM
Workshops & Screenings
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Workshop and Performance and Installation by Amaka Obioma
Buuka Space in Buloba
12:00PM - 5:00PM
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Film screenings and Talk
Alliance Rooftop/Xenson space - in partnership with Nteredde
6:00PM - 8:00PM
Workshop & Book Reading
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Policy making workshop
R4T
9:00AM - 12:00PM
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Book reading - The Scar
Ndere cultural center / Tebere Foundation
5:00PM - 7:00PM
Art Talks & Film Screening
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Art Talk and Walk about
Xenson Art Space
8:00AM - 10:00AM
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Art Talk and Walk about
Afropocene
12:00PM - 2:00PM
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Film screening and panel discussion
led by Anna Maria Nabirye - Alliance Auditorium/Xenson art space courtyard
4:00PM - 7:00PM
Sponsor Us
Objectives
- Celebrate Women's Artistic Voices by showcasing the diverse talents of women artists from across the region.
- Reimagine tradition through an exploration of how ancient wisdom can be applied to contemporary challenges.
- Foster Community empowerment by creating a space for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.
- Inspire Future Generations of young women to challenge the status quo.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Your support will have a lasting impact on the lives of countless women artists and cultural enthusiasts across Africa. By partnering with the Njabala Foundation, you are at the forefront of promoting gender equity by supporting a platform that celebrates women as custodians of culture, heritage, and power. You will also contribute to:
- Empowering Women Artists by providing opportunities for women to showcase their talent and realize their full potential, fostering dialogue, and enriching African culture.
- Preserving Cultural Heritage: Honoring and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Uganda.
- Inspiring Future Generations: Cultivating a new generation of creative thinkers and change-makers.
- Contribute to breaking down societal norms that hinder gender equity.
- Foster a space for cultural dialogue and innovation.
Explore Sponsorship Packages
Tier 1: Supporter (5,000 - 10,000 USD)
- Logo Placement: Your logo will be prominently displayed on all promotional materials, including the festival website, social media, and printed materials.
- Social Media Recognition: We will recognize you on our social media platforms and tag your organization huddles.
- Invitation to the Opening Ceremony: You and a guest will receive exclusive invitations to the opening ceremony.
- Limited Edition Festival Merchandise: You will receive a limited edition festival merchandise pack.
Tier 2: Patron (11,000 - 20,000 USD)
- All Benefits of Tier 1
- Dedicated Social Media Post: We will create a dedicated social media post thanking your organization for its support.
- Priority Seating at Events: You and a guest will receive priority seating at selected festival events.
- Backstage Pass: A behind-the-scenes tour of the festival preparations and performances.
Tier 3: Benefactor (21,000 - 30,000 USD)
- All Benefits of Tier 1 and Tier 2
- VIP Experience: Enjoy a VIP experience, including exclusive access to VIP lounges and meet-and-greets with artists and performers.
- Custom Branded Experience: We will customize a sponsorship package tailored to your specific needs and goals.
- Get published: Invitation to contribute a text to the festival booklet/catalogue
- Five copies of the events booklet/catalogue
Tier 4: Premier Partner (31,000+ USD)
- All Benefits of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3
- Naming Rights as main sponsor: Your organization's name will be named as a main sponsor of the festival.
- Exclusive Branding Opportunities: High-visibility branding placements at the festival venue and in promotional materials.
- Speaking opportunity: on the Festival opening ceremony
- Detailed report: covering the event impact, reach and implementation
To become a sponsor, contact
Martha Kazungu - Founding Director - kazungu@njabala.com
Partners
Sponsors
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