KAMPALA, Uganda — Hundreds of aspiring models gathered at the Makerere University Art Gallery over the Easter weekend for the Uganda International Fashion Week casting call, marking the start of the Models for Impact initiative.
The event precedes the fashion week’s return this June after a six-year hiatus. The casting drew a diverse group of young people from across the country seeking a spot on one of the region’s most influential stages.
Santa Anzo, the founder of Uganda International Fashion Week and the creative force behind Arapapa by Santa Anzo, expressed emotion at the high level of participation.
I cannot believe the huge turn up, Anzo said. It is beyond expectation. 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.
Anzo shared personal stories with the participants, including a time she was told she did not meet international modeling criteria while auditioning for M-Net Face of Africa. She later met the same scout years later while she was working as a designer.
She told the crowd that not making the runway does not mean the end of a fashion journey, but rather the start of exploring other pathways in the industry.
The casting is part of the broader Models for Impact initiative, which aims to redefine modeling as a platform for purpose and economic participation. This aligns with the Creative Economy Programme (2026–2028), a project designed to provide mentorship and skills to thousands of young people in the fashion value chain.
Uganda International Fashion Week is scheduled for June 22-27 at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The event is expected to bring together designers, models and industry stakeholders from across the continent.
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