UGX 1 Million Up for Grabs as Manifest Got Gifts Takes Talent Search to Uganda’s Universities

KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s university campuses are becoming the latest stage for emerging performers, with Manifest Fellowship taking its Manifest Got Gifts talent competition directly to students ahead of the Global Interuniversity Conference (GIC) 2026. The competition has already visited Makerere University, Kyambogo University, St. Lawrence University and Kampala International University, giving students an opportunity to showcase their abilities before a panel of professionals drawn from different creative fields. The overall winner will receive UGX 1 million and mentorship, offering both financial support and an opportunity to develop their talent beyond the university stage.

Four Campuses, One National Stage

Performers in the competition include singers, actors, dancers and spoken-word poets. Each contestant gets between three and five minutes to perform before the judging panel. According to The Independent, judges assess participants on technical ability, growth potential, audience engagement, stage presence and confidence. Five contestants from each participating campus advance to the grand finale, where they will perform before students from universities in Uganda and beyond. The finale is scheduled for Saturday, 14 November 2026, from 9 a.m. at Phaneroo Grounds in Naguru, Kampala. Organisers say additional participating campuses will be announced through Manifest Fellowship's social media channels.

More Than a Cash Prize

While UGX 1 million is the headline attraction, the mentorship component could prove equally valuable for emerging creatives. For students trying to build careers in music, acting, dance or spoken-word performance, access to experienced professionals can help refine their craft, build confidence and identify pathways into the creative industry. Campus talent competitions can also give performers experience in front of unfamiliar audiences and help them begin building a public portfolio of their work. However, the competition is not a guarantee of a professional contract or a long-term career. Students will still need consistent practice, original work and the ability to develop an audience beyond the event.

Students Can Attend the Conference for Free

The competition runs alongside the fifth edition of the Global Interuniversity Conference, which organisers say is free and open to students. The conference is being coordinated with police and other security agencies, while free transport is available from selected universities and designated stages. Students interested in attending should confirm transport arrangements, the programme and any entry requirements through official organiser channels. With the grand finale only days away, Manifest Got Gifts offers a reminder that university talent can become more than a hobby when students find platforms to develop and showcase it. For aspiring performers, the challenge now is to turn a few minutes on stage into a foundation for continued growth.

Manifest Fellowship takes talent show to campuses ahead of GIC 2026

Source: The Independent

Campus360 note: Campus auditions have already taken place at the four universities named above. Students should check official Manifest Fellowship channels for any further audition announcements and final event details.