Kampala’s social and cultural calendar is set for a colourful addition as Sudhir Ruparelia’s Speke Resort Munyonyo prepares to host the 2026 Diwali Food Festival, offering visitors an opportunity to experience Indian cuisine, traditions and family entertainment in a lakeside setting.
The event, scheduled for Sunday, November 1, is being organised in partnership with the Indian Association of Uganda and will bring together food enthusiasts, families and members of different communities for an afternoon and evening of cultural celebrations.
Activities will begin at 2:30pm at Speke Resort Munyonyo, the Ruparelia Group’s flagship hospitality property, with a fireworks display planned for 8pm as one of the evening’s main attractions.
Food will be a major feature of the festival, with guests expected to sample a selection of authentic Indian dishes representing different regions of the country. The programme will also include shopping stalls, refreshments, music and live performances.
Families attending the event will have access to a dedicated children’s play area, allowing younger visitors to enjoy activities while adults explore the food and entertainment.
Diwali, widely referred to as the Festival of Lights, is among the most significant celebrations in the Hindu calendar. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, with families and communities traditionally marking the occasion through gatherings, decorations, food and festivities.
The Kampala festival seeks to bring some of these traditions closer to the wider Ugandan public by creating an environment where people from different backgrounds can interact and enjoy Indian culture.
Beyond the food, the event is designed to promote friendship, togetherness and cultural appreciation. Visitors will also be able to purchase fireworks at the venue if they wish to participate in the celebrations.
Organisers say the festival is open to the public and is expected to attract members of Uganda’s Indian community alongside other residents interested in experiencing the occasion.
The festival will be hosted by Speke Resort Munyonyo and the Indian Association of Uganda, with Talent Africa Group responsible for managing the event.
For Speke Resort, hosting the celebration adds to its role as a venue for major social, cultural and business gatherings in Uganda.
Owned by businessman Dr Sudhir Ruparelia through the Ruparelia Group, the lakeside property has established itself as a destination for both local and international events, including high-level conferences and gatherings involving heads of state.
The Diwali Food Festival will bring another cultural experience to its events calendar, using food, music and entertainment to create an opportunity for people to celebrate together.
With Indian cuisine, family activities and an evening fireworks display forming part of the programme, the November 1 gathering is expected to offer Kampala residents a chance to enjoy Diwali beyond the traditional celebrations within the Indian community.
