Ugandan designers have showcased their creativity at the recently concluded Kampala Fashion Week. The three-day event attracted some big names, with designers representing eight African countries. Although many of the pieces are contemporary, traditional African fabrics still dominated the runway.

It's a fashion extravaganza in Uganda's capital. With glitz and glamour, pomp and style, designs from across Africa are showcased on the catwalk. Designers have expressed their creativity and diversity, from stars like Stacy Aamito to child models.

"We really do see the value of creative individuals in their businesses and hopefully this can continue to expand and get to a week and the week will be again what it is meant to be, a platform for various fashions that are locally, continent wise and international, so that we can create this back-and-forth business. We now need to set up all these systems so that we can have fair and equal trading relations," said Gloria Munno, founder of Kampala Fashion Week.

With the theme: Underground - it takes a village, the event is a fusion of African craft and internationally acclaimed haute couture.

"Africa as general we are a young population, so a lot of people have been abroad they have studied, they have travelled and a lot of people are coming back. And with the skills people have learned abroad they are coming back to implement them, this helps create industries and fashion being one of them," said fashion designer Edward Semprini.

However, backstage, Uganda's growing fashion industry is facing several challenges.
Designers say raw materials are increasingly hard to source locally, which pushes their prices up and stifles competition.

"There are a limited number of natural resources here, so the importing and exporting of fabric is challenging the designers. So the support they are getting right now from government is very very important," said design consultant Gloria Dejong.

From dresses to bags, shoes to jewellery, organisers of the Kampala Fashion Week say Ugandans are starting to appreciate local designs. They've urged the government to provide the sector with more support, so that the industry can grow and develop.