Music, culture, and social advocacy converged at Kampala Parents School as the East Indian Cultural Association (EICA) hosted its annual Holi musical festival, using the celebration to amplify cancer awareness efforts across Uganda.
The two-day event, held as part of broader Holi festivities in the city, carried a strong message of community responsibility, with organizers dedicating this year’s festival to raising awareness about cancer and supporting outreach programmes targeting rural communities.
Health experts warn that cancer remains a growing public health challenge in Uganda, with many cases diagnosed at advanced stages due to limited awareness and delayed screening.
In response, EICA has been supporting initiatives that take awareness campaigns to villages, educating communities on early detection, routine medical check-ups, and timely treatment.
Organisers said integrating the awareness campaign into a cultural celebration was intended to reach wider audiences and encourage open conversations around the disease. The initiative was supported by Kansai Plascon and other partners.
The festival drew members of Uganda’s Indian community, invited guests, and cultural enthusiasts, many dressed in colourful traditional attire reflecting the spirit of Holi. Families gathered in large numbers as the event got underway, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Performances opened with children’s cultural dance groups whose energetic routines and vibrant costumes set the tone for the evening, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The highlight of the event was a performance by Shraddha Pandit, who delivered a lively set featuring a mix of popular Bollywood classics and contemporary hits. Her performance energized the crowd, with many attendees singing along and dancing.
Kansai Plascon, a key sponsor of the event, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cultural initiatives and community engagement within Uganda.
The company’s Managing Director, Santosh Gumte, was recognised by EICA for his contribution to community development and support towards the festival.
In his remarks, Gumte said the company was proud to support an event that promotes both cultural unity and public health awareness, noting that such initiatives align with its broader corporate social responsibility goals.
Organisers expressed optimism that the festival would continue to serve as a platform for both cultural celebration and social impact, particularly in raising awareness about critical health issues affecting communities across the country.
