Nwoya, Uganda: The Government of Uganda has injected UGX 1 billion into the creative industry in Northern Uganda, marking the first direct state-backed financing aimed at transforming the region’s creative economy.
The funding, released through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, was allocated to the WALK Creative Arts Foundation, an umbrella body representing creatives across West Nile, Acholi, Lango and Karamoja sub-regions.
The grant forms part of a wider UGX 49 billion, ten-year development plan designed to strengthen the creative sector as a driver of employment, enterprise development and regional economic recovery.
WALK Creative Arts Foundation brings together creatives from 39 districts, municipalities and cities, covering nine creative domains, including music, performing arts, film and video, visual arts and crafts, books and publishing, software and innovation, cultural and national heritage, support services, and storytelling.
Speaking at the announcement, WALK General Secretary Oyoo Simon Nyingiling described the funding as long overdue recognition of the creative sector’s economic value.
“If government can invest heavily in sectors like oil and gas, it is only prudent that the creative sector also receives structured investment,” Oyoo said, noting that the industry has the capacity to employ thousands of young Ugandans.
Oyoo said Northern Uganda’s creatives were driven to organize after years of conflict, unemployment and marginalisation, adding that this is the first time the region’s creative sector has received direct government support, unlike similar associations in Central Uganda that have previously benefited from public financing.
The UGX 1 billion is part of a UGX 2.1 billion pledge earlier made by Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) Coordinator Gen. Salim Saleh, with WALK appealing for the release of the remaining balance to fully operationalise planned programmes.
According to Oyoo, the funds will support SACCO formation, financial literacy training, cooperative development, savings schemes, and cultural enterprise projects aimed at improving creatives’ livelihoods.
WALK Chairperson Aboda Solomon welcomed the support, revealing that the foundation has also attracted international interest. He disclosed that the Mastercard Foundation has pledged USD 1 million, expected next year, to support youth skills development and creative enterprise growth in the region.
Aboda also announced a partnership with the National Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (NaCORI) to promote research dissemination and value addition through community engagement, cultural performances and creative storytelling.
Nwoya District Commercial Officer Odoki Godfrey Anying, who provides technical guidance to WALK, urged the foundation’s leadership to uphold transparency, accountability and inclusive decision-making, emphasizing prudent resource management.
Regional coordinators Atine Maros (Lango), Lukutan Alex (Karamoja) and Adrole Bakole Jamal (West Nile) welcomed the funding and called for unity among creatives to build a sustainable regional industry.
Veteran performer Omona Tempra, with over two decades of experience, appealed for solidarity within the creative sector, urging creatives to uplift one another rather than engage in rivalry.
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