Over the Easter weekend, Hundreds of aspiring models gathered at the Makerere University Art Gallery in response to a casting call by the Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW), marking a powerful start to the platform’s highly anticipated return this June.
The casting drew a diverse mix of young people from across Uganda, all hoping to secure a place on one of the region’s most influential fashion stages. For many, the opportunity represents more than a moment on the runway; it is a potential entry point into Africa’s growing creative economy.
“I have always loved fashion, and for me, an opportunity to model at Uganda International Fashion Week is the biggest step I can take,” said one aspiring model, reflecting the ambition and optimism shared by many in attendance.
The overwhelming turnout underscored the demand for platforms that create access and opportunity within the fashion industry, a reality that was not lost on Santa Anzo, the founder of Uganda International Fashion Week, and creative force behind Arapapa by Santa Anzo.
Visibly emotional upon arrival, Anzo was moved by the scale of participation; “I cannot believe the huge turn up! It is beyond expectation” she said. “This is what I have always said – the future belongs to the young and emerging creatives. We need to give them all of our support, not just a platform to showcase their talent, but to equip them with the skills and knowledge to go beyond the runway.”
Taking time to address the hopefuls, Anzo shared personal reflections from her own journey in fashion, offering both encouragement and perspective. She reminded participants that success within the industry is not defined by a single outcome.
“I was once told that I did not meet the international modelling criteria because the model scout saw great potential in me to put on weight. I was auditioning for the MNET Face of Africa, the continent’s biggest runways at the time,” she said. “Years later, I met that same Model Scout in a completely different country and on a different platform, but this time, I was not there as a model. I was the designer, showcasing my own work.”
Her message resonated strongly with the audience: “not making the runway does not mean the end of a journey in fashion, but rather the beginning of exploring other pathways within the industry,” she added.
The casting forms part of UIFW’s broader #ModelsForImpact initiative, which seeks to redefine modelling as a platform for influence, purpose, and economic participation. The initiative is aligned with the wider vision of Uganda International Fashion Week 2026, which returns after a six-year hiatus with a renewed focus on strengthening Uganda’s fashion ecosystem.
Beyond the runway, this year’s edition is positioned as part of a larger Creative Economy Programme (2026–2028), aimed at equipping thousands of young people with skills, mentorship, and access to opportunities across the fashion value chain.
Scheduled to take place from June 22–27 at the Kampala Serena Hotel, the Uganda International Fashion Week is expected to once again convene designers, models, and industry stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.
For those who attended the casting, however, the journey has already begun. What unfolded over the weekend was not simply a selection process, but a reflection of a generation eager to participate, to be seen, and to shape the future of Ugandan and African fashion- whether on the runway or far beyond it.
