Creatives call for better access to capital, government programmes

What the report says

Ugandan creatives are pressing for easier access to government funding, support programmes and clear information, saying financing gaps and low awareness are slowing the growth of creative businesses and limiting job creation. The issue was raised on Saturday at the Pakasa for Creatives Forum in Kyebando, Kampala, which was organised by the Sanyu Centre for Arts and Rights (SARI) and brought together people working in crafts, writing, performing arts, fashion and design, alongside government and other stakeholders.

SARI director Sylvia Nalubega said the forum was meant to close the knowledge gap so creatives can understand what programmes exist, how to qualify and where to apply. She said public facilities and initiatives can only help if artists know how to reach them. Participants also urged greater use of spaces such as the National Theatre and more support for marketing and production.

The discussion comes as Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan places the culture and creative industry among sectors expected to support employment and domestic revenue generation. According to the National Planning Authority, the plan also looks to address constraints such as weak infrastructure, limited capital and skills gaps, with ideas including upgrades to existing facilities and regional creative hubs. Officials at the forum said creatives should organise into groups and register through local channels to access programmes such as Emyooga, which is designed to support enterprise groups with seed capital.