Ugandan star Wycliffe Tugume, popularly known as Ykee Benda, has launched Kigampala Festival, an annual festival that aims to celebrate music, culture and art with an underlying goal to build connection between the Uganda and Rwanda community, slated for December 17, In Kampala.

In a launching ceremony held in Kigali on October 29, Benda said that the event, the first of this kind, will also bring Ugandans and Rwandans together to understand and appreciate their similarities and differences while enjoying and celebrating both cultures and their already existing historical connection.

"Rwanda and Uganda have a lot in common and this festival is coming to help us connect and learn from each other. We have a long line up of artistes and I’m sure it’s going to be a good experience. We have a lot to share!” he said.

Benda further clarified that if artistes from both countries come together and collaborate, East African music can grow the same way Afrobeats of West Africa did and that with festivals like Kigampala, there is hope that music from Rwanda and Uganda can get to another level.

"Everyone has noticed how West African music is at the top today and the main reason behind it is teamwork. The more we get on the same stage, the more we are likely to work together and Kigampala is here to bring Rwandan and Ugandan artistes on the same stage,” Benda said.

The first edition of Kigampala is scheduled to take place on December 17, at Lugogo Cricket Oval, Kampala under the theme, ‘Merging our borders through music and art'.

The 'MunaKampala' hit maker also noted that The Ben will be the main headliner from Rwanda alongside other artistes on the rise.

The second edition will take place in Kigali next year.