Senior year students at St. Julian High School dance on the red carpet during their prom party themed "A Night in Italy" in Gayaza, on May 19, 2026. Uganda's high school proms, influenced by global youth and celebrity culture and amplified by social media, have become lavish celebrations blending fashion, creativity and status with local styles of celebration. Mostly seen in elite and urban schools, the events feature themed decor, luxury arrivals and elaborate outfits, with some students previously making headlines for arriving by helicopter before the government banned helicopters and luxury SUV's at school events. Schools balance student expression and modern trends with cultural values and stricter government regulations. (Photo by Badru Katumba / AFP via Getty Images)

Senior year students at St. Julian High School dance during their prom party themed "A Night in Italy" in Gayaza, on May 19, 2026. Uganda's high school proms, influenced by global youth and celebrity culture and amplified by social media, have become lavish celebrations blending fashion, creativity and status with local styles of celebration. Mostly seen in elite and urban schools, the events feature themed decor, luxury arrivals and elaborate outfits, with some students previously making headlines for arriving by helicopter before the government banned helicopters and luxury SUV's at school events. Schools balance student expression and modern trends with cultural values and stricter government regulations. (Photo by Badru Katumba / AFP via Getty Images)

Moses Kibuuka, a senior year student at St. Julian High School, poses for a picture inside his dormitory after dressing up to attend the school's prom party themed "A Night in Italy" in Gayaza, on May 19, 2026. Uganda's high school proms, influenced by global youth and celebrity culture and amplified by social media, have become lavish celebrations blending fashion, creativity and status with local styles of celebration. Mostly seen in elite and urban schools, the events feature themed decor, luxury arrivals and elaborate outfits, with some students previously making headlines for arriving by helicopter before the government banned helicopters and luxury SUV's at school events. Schools balance student expression and modern trends with cultural values and stricter government regulations. (Photo by Badru Katumba / AFP via Getty Images)

Senior year students at St. Julian High School arrive for their prom party themed "A Night in Italy" in Gayaza, on May 19, 2026. Uganda's high school proms, influenced by global youth and celebrity culture and amplified by social media, have become lavish celebrations blending fashion, creativity and status with local styles of celebration. Mostly seen in elite and urban schools, the events feature themed decor, luxury arrivals and elaborate outfits, with some students previously making headlines for arriving by helicopter before the government banned helicopters and luxury SUV's at school events. Schools balance student expression and modern trends with cultural values and stricter government regulations. (Photo by Badru Katumba / AFP via Getty Images)

Senior year students at St. Julian High School pose for a picture inside their dormitory after dressing up to attend their prom party themed "A Night in Italy" in Gayaza, on May 19, 2026. Uganda's high school proms, influenced by global youth and celebrity culture and amplified by social media, have become lavish celebrations blending fashion, creativity and status with local styles of celebration. Mostly seen in elite and urban schools, the events feature themed decor, luxury arrivals and elaborate outfits, with some students previously making headlines for arriving by helicopter before the government banned helicopters and luxury SUV's at school events. Schools balance student expression and modern trends with cultural values and stricter government regulations. (Photo by Badru Katumba / AFP via Getty Images)

A senior year student at St. Julian High School poses for a picture inside his dormitory after dressing up to attend the school's prom party themed "A Night in Italy" in Gayaza, on May 19, 2026. Uganda's high school proms, influenced by global youth and celebrity culture and amplified by social media, have become lavish celebrations blending fashion, creativity and status with local styles of celebration. Mostly seen in elite and urban schools, the events feature themed decor, luxury arrivals and elaborate outfits, with some students previously making headlines for arriving by helicopter before the government banned helicopters and luxury SUV's at school events. Schools balance student expression and modern trends with cultural values and stricter government regulations. (Photo by Badru Katumba / AFP via Getty Images)

Senior year students at St. Julian High School style their hair while getting ready to attend their prom party themed "A Night in Italy" in Gayaza, on May 19, 2026. Uganda's high school proms, influenced by global youth and celebrity culture and amplified by social media, have become lavish celebrations blending fashion, creativity and status with local styles of celebration. Mostly seen in elite and urban schools, the events feature themed decor, luxury arrivals and elaborate outfits, with some students previously making headlines for arriving by helicopter before the government banned helicopters and luxury SUV's at school events. Schools balance student expression and modern trends with cultural values and stricter government regulations. (Photo by Badru Katumba / AFP via Getty Images)

Senior year students at St. Julian High School pose for a picture while picking flower bouquets before attending their prom party themed "A Night in Italy" in Gayaza, on May 19, 2026. Uganda's high school proms, influenced by global youth and celebrity culture and amplified by social media, have become lavish celebrations blending fashion, creativity and status with local styles of celebration. Mostly seen in elite and urban schools, the events feature themed decor, luxury arrivals and elaborate outfits, with some students previously making headlines for arriving by helicopter before the government banned helicopters and luxury SUV's at school events. Schools balance student expression and modern trends with cultural values and stricter government regulations. (Photo by Badru Katumba / AFP via Getty Images)