Ugandan Creatives Seek Enhanced Access to Capital and Government Support

A recent forum, the Pakasa for Creatives Forum, highlighted significant challenges faced by Uganda’s creative sector. Organised by the Sanyu Centre for Arts and Rights (SARI) with support from Diakonia, the event brought together artists, designers, writers, and performers to discuss obstacles to their professional development.

A key concern raised was the limited access to capital and a general lack of awareness regarding available government initiatives. Sylvia Nalubega, director of SARI, emphasised the need to bridge this knowledge gap, stating that creatives must understand what programs exist, how to access them, and their role in benefiting from these opportunities.

“The programmes are set, but what is the importance of setting them up if we do not know about them?” Nalubega questioned, underscoring the forum’s importance in disseminating information about government support and relevant offices.

This call for better access comes as the government increasingly recognizes the creative industry’s potential for job creation and economic contribution. Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) identifies the culture and creative industry as a priority sector for employment and resource mobilization, encompassing visual and performing arts, literature, music, film, fashion, design, and crafts.

However, the plan also acknowledges inadequate creative infrastructure as a constraint and proposes measures to enhance facilities and establish regional creative hubs. Rachael Nabasirye, a senior research officer at the National Planning Authority, confirmed the creative economy’s prioritization under NDP IV due to its potential to generate jobs for youth and revenue.

Creatives like basketry artist Beatrice Bukilwa and John Kachope, leader of the Art and Crafts Saving Group, expressed the need for financial and marketing assistance to expand their businesses and create more employment opportunities.

Authorities encouraged creatives to organize into groups and register with Community Development Officers to access programs like Emyooga, a government initiative focused on wealth and job creation. However, participants stressed that such initiatives must be accompanied by clear information, practical guidance, affordable capital, and market access to foster sustainable growth in the creative sector.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/375503/creatives-call-for-better-access-to-capital-government-programmes