Ugandan fashion entrepreneur and designer Oscar Nyesiga, popularly known as Oscar Kampala, has earned continental recognition after securing a nomination for Designer of the Year at the 2026 EMY Africa Awards in Ghana.
The nomination places Oscar among five designers recognised for their contribution to Africa’s fashion industry, alongside Kenneth Tetteh, Kenneth Ize, IB Kamara and Atto Andoh.
The 11th edition of the EMY Africa Awards is scheduled for November 21, 2026, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre in Ghana.
The nomination marks a significant milestone
The nomination marks a significant milestone for the Ugandan entrepreneur, whose journey in the fashion industry has evolved from tailoring into building a luxury menswear brand with business ambitions extending beyond Uganda.
Oscar Kampala has developed a reputation for bespoke suits and sophisticated menswear, serving professionals, entrepreneurs, executives and other clients seeking personalised fashion.
His business has expanded its presence into Uganda and Kenya, reflecting his ambition to position the brand within the wider East African fashion market.
Beyond fashion, the 24-year-old entrepreneur is also pursuing
Beyond fashion, the 24-year-old entrepreneur is also pursuing a broader entrepreneurship and youth empowerment agenda through the 7,000 Men Movement, an initiative aimed at bringing together young African entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators and emerging leaders.
The movement seeks to create opportunities for networking, mentorship, business partnerships and economic empowerment while connecting participants across different African countries.
It builds on earlier gatherings organised under the 300 Men and 1,000 Men initiatives, with the 7,000 Men platform targeting a much larger continental network.
A flagship gathering is planned for Nairobi, Kenya,
A flagship gathering is planned for Nairobi, Kenya, in 2026, with the ambition of bringing together thousands of young African men to exchange ideas, explore business opportunities and establish professional relationships.
Through the initiative, Oscar is seeking to extend the influence of his fashion brand beyond clothing by creating a platform that encourages entrepreneurship, leadership and collaboration among young Africans.
His EMY Africa nomination comes as African fashion continues to attract international attention, with designers increasingly building brands that combine creativity, business innovation and cultural identity.
The recognition also highlights the growing visibility
The recognition also highlights the growing visibility of Ugandan talent within the continent’s creative and fashion industries.
For Oscar Kampala, the nomination provides an opportunity to showcase Uganda’s fashion industry on a wider platform while reinforcing his ambitions to grow his brand and expand his influence across Africa.
As the awards approach, his recognition adds to Uganda’s representation in the continent’s fashion and creative industries.
