Bebe Cool, Santa Anzo Call for Greater Investment in Creative Economy

What the report says

Ugandan musician Moses Ssali, better known as Bebe Cool, and fashion entrepreneur Santa Anzo have called on government and private investors to put more support into Uganda’s creative economy, saying the sector can generate jobs, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to broader development. The discussion took place during an X Space hosted by journalist Canary Mugume and was tied to conversations ahead of the return of Uganda International Fashion Week.

According to Nile Post, Bebe Cool argued that creativity remains an underused economic opportunity in Uganda and said the industry could create work for people across different education levels. He also pointed to the need for stronger public support for initiatives that help creative professionals turn talent into income and exportable products. Anzo made a similar case, saying Uganda has creativity but lacks systems that convert it into sustainable businesses, market access and long-term prosperity.

Anzo said the fashion sector is more than a showcase for clothing because it links to tourism, hospitality, transport, media, manufacturing and other services. She also said the Uganda International Fashion Week has expanded into a platform for enterprise development and skills building, including through the Fashion for Impact programme with the Mastercard Foundation CREATE Programme. The programme is intended to support young people, especially women and girls, with training, mentorship and access to markets.

The 2026 fashion week is scheduled for August 31 to September 5 at Kampala Serena Hotel, with public events including an expo and a gala finale. The organisers say the event will feature inclusive participation, including refugees and persons with disabilities, underscoring the sector’s role in opportunity creation and economic inclusion.