Families turned up today in large numbers at the UMA Show Grounds on Friday as Kiara Events opened the 2026 edition of the Baby & Kids Expo EA with a renewed focus on early learning, creativity, and mental wellness for children.
The two-day event, which started on May 16 and ends on May 17, is being held at the Multi-Purpose Hall at UMA Show Grounds under the theme, “Care Before Crisis”.
Organisers say this year’s theme is intended to encourage parents to invest in children’s development early through practical learning, talent nurturing, and emotional support before challenges emerge later in life.
Speaking during the opening of the expo, Kiara Events managing director Joweria Nabuuma said the event was designed to create an engaging learning environment for both parents and children.
“This year parents will come and enjoy with their kids as they showcase talents and learn a lot more from tailoring, robotics, molding, spelling competitions, and other skills, as well as empowerment from key presenters,” Nabuuma said.
The expo features a range of activities aimed at combining education and entertainment. Children are taking part in pottery, painting, robotics, spelling competitions, molding sessions, and free play activities, while parents are attending empowerment talks and interactive discussions with specialists.
One of the major additions to this year’s programme is a mental wellness segment targeting both children and parents.
“For the first time this year, we have mental wellness sessions. There is also pottery, a free play area, painting, and many others,” Nabuuma added.
Children attending the expo said they were already benefiting from the practical learning opportunities offered at the event.
“I’m happy to attend this year’s Baby and Kids Expo because I’ve learnt how to make ice cream and molding,” said Namulema Keisha Malaika, a Senior One student at Bethany High School.
The event has attracted support from several corporate sponsors and partners, including MTN Group, Movit Products, I&M Bank, MultiChoice, Nation Media Group, JKI Media, The Children’s Clinic, Enjuba, Verinas, Mirinda, Solace, Dairy Farm, and Kids Nook.
Organisers said the partnerships have enabled families to access products and services tailored for children, teenagers, and parents in one location.
Mark, a representative from MultiChoice, said the company was pleased to continue supporting the initiative.
“We are happy to always be part of this expo because we showcase products for babies, teenagers, and adults. I call upon parents to bring their children since they are on holiday,” he said.
Other speakers at the expo include Winnie Alaro from Movit Products, Shamim Kawala from Abacus Pharma, and Lilian Blessing from Kids Nook.
Parents attending the event said the expo has continued to make a positive impact on family life by exposing children to practical skills and confidence-building activities.
“This expo has brought positive changes to my home,” said Raymond Mugabi, a parent who has attended previous editions of the event.
Organisers are encouraging more parents to take advantage of the school holiday period and bring their children for the final day of activities.
“This expo is happening from May 16 to May 17, 2026. I call upon parents to bring in more children so that they learn more and are exposed to a variety of products and opportunities,” Nabuuma said.
Over the years, the Baby & Kids Expo EA has grown into one of Kampala’s major family-focused events, bringing together parents, educators, health professionals, and businesses to promote child development through learning, play, and innovation.
