Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | The Ugandan government is actively pursuing funding from the World Bank to empower its artists with technical expertise to meet global standards, as revealed by Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, the Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs.
She disclosed that the government has finalized its plans to provide technical training for creative artists with the support of the World Bank, facilitated by the MasterCard Foundation and the Growth Opportunities And Productivity For Women Enterprises (GROW) Project. Mutuuzo emphasized the pressing need for workforce training in the creative sector, citing the abundance of talent but a scarcity of technical skills. Efforts are already underway to bridge this skills gap within the creative community.
Furthermore, the government is taking steps to establish a dedicated fund to bolster the creative industry, which suffered significant setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hon. Mutuuzo explained that this fund is specifically designed to support the unique nature of creative businesses. Additionally, the government aims to mobilize financial products and seek partnerships to bolster the financing of Uganda’s creative industry.
Uganda’s creative industry encompasses various domains, including music, film, fashion, visual arts, crafts, and performing arts. According to the Uganda National Cultural Center, this sector contributes approximately UGX 7.5 billion to Uganda’s gross domestic product and provides employment to over 150,000 individuals.
Previously, the government executed a three-year project funded by the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) to enhance the handicrafts and souvenir sector in Uganda, with a focus on marginalized communities. The project sought to establish connections between producers, associations, and traders of handcrafted products and the tourism industry. It aimed to foster product development, diversification, increased production, and improved quality.
Hon. Mutuuzo emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting and safeguarding Uganda’s cultural and artistic heritage while augmenting its role in the country’s social and economic development.