Where Ugandan design, female creativity, and sound collided. Mulage Magazine unveiled its second issue in style.
Photography by Laura Rose and Elizabeth Bakare, Text by Tessa Lwanga
Mulage Magazine, marked the launch of its highly anticipated second issue the Pearls of Africa Edition: Destination Uganda, on Saturday, 11 April 2026, with an intimate yet vibrant gathering at the Hoxton Hotel, Shepherd’s Bush.
The event brought together cultural commentators, members of the fashion press, designers, the Ambassador of the Buganda Kingdom to the UK and Republic of Ireland Owekitiibwa Ronald Lutaaya and close supporters of the publication; each playing a part in the magazine’s growing creative community.
Curated in collaboration with British Council Creative DNA programme, the event spotlighted six Ugandan female-owned designer brands, whose collections were both showcased and made available through an exclusive pop-up retail experience.
Multi-hyphenate creative Comfort Racheal Babirye, who also features in the current issue, guided the event as Master of Ceremonies, weaving together its many moments with ease and charisma.
The event underscored Mulage Magazine’s continued commitment to amplifying black-owned design and emerging voices within the global fashion landscape. Designers Ihato Designs, Kijana Fashion House, Murembo Collection, Nitah Crotchets, Shwanda Kollection, Stand out Africa, were showcased.
(Left to right; Ninsiima Rukandema and Comfort Racheal Babirye browsing Shwanda Kollection Pieces, Musician Gabrielle Sey enjoying the entertainment, Cow horn top by Ihato designs, jewellery by Shwanda Kollection. Photography by Laura Rose and Elizabeth Bakare
Mulage Magazine’s Pearl Africa cover, photographed in the Imperial Botanical Gardens in Entebbe, Uganda, offers an inviting entry point into the Ugandan fashion landscape. Model Arop Bil, of Joram Model Management wears a striking top by Kijana Fashion House, styled with a bold brass necklace and ring by Shwanda Kollection, a brass cowrie shell ring by Murembo Design, and a sculptural brass cuff by Local for Bold. Each piece contributes to a broader narrative of heritage, strength, and contemporary adornment.
Bold In Africa, a female-owned designer concession store based in Kampala, Uganda, played a pivotal role in bringing these collections directly to guests. Through its Bold Woman Fund, developed in collaboration with the British Council CDNA programme, the platform mentors and supports predominantly female-owned businesses, helping them gain visibility and thrive within the international marketplace. They also showcased a capsule collection on the day.
As the event unfolded, guests were immersed in a rich sonic journey. A live interview and performance by Sweet P, who also features in the current issue, filled the space with sultry, soulful sounds. DJ Sid Mercutio, carried the energy forward with a seamless blend of Afrobeats, old-school R&B, and hip hop, while a live drumming performance featuring the ngalabi and bakisimba drums delivered a powerful, rhythmic introduction to welcome the Editor-in-Chief.
A special highlight of the night included remarks from Owekitiibwa Ronald Lutaaya, the Ambassador of the Buganda Kingdom to the UK and Republic of Ireland, who offered guests insight into the history of the Buganda Kingdom, its parliamentary traditions, and the cultural significance of his role.
The collaboration with the British Council CDNA, Bold Woman Fund and Mulage Magazine seamlessly bridged editorial storytelling with a tangible retail experience.
To immerse in Ugandan fashion and explore stories from across the Black diaspora, the Pearls of Africa Issue is now available. Secure your copy.