Musicians, creative artists, and other stakeholders are pushing for policies that promote their work, as well as enhance tourism in the country. Mathew Nabwiso, a film producer, while speaking at the CEO forum at MoTIV Africa headquarters in Kampala, mentioned that there is a need for more meetings and engagements among creative stakeholders to address several concerns and find solutions to the challenges in the industry.
“About 80 percent of our population are young people, who are not interested in agriculture or other traditional sectors, but are interested in the creative arts. However, such engagements focus on a few individuals in the country, leaving out the biggest workforce,” Nabwiso remarked.
He also stated that they have long advocated for the enactment of a film policy and the establishment of a film commission to help develop the industry and ensure that creators benefit more from their work. However, Nabwiso faulted the government for not giving the creative arts sector an audience when approached. He noted that there has been a persistent challenge in accessing government platforms to discuss the challenges and forge solutions for the development of the creative and arts industry.
He further pointed out that, for a long time, the Uganda Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism have been bringing in foreign celebrities to market Uganda at high costs, yet local filmmakers and artists can do the same with far-reaching impact. He emphasized that Ugandan filmmakers have produced high-quality work that can be used to market the country internationally and urged the government to engage with all stakeholders.
Ann Kansiime, a renowned comedian and actress, expressed her frustration over the way international TV stations use their content without fairly compensating the creators, despite the high costs involved in content production. Kansiime urged the Uganda Tourism Board to tap into the vast talent within the country to promote Uganda internationally, rather than relying on international stars.
Lynett Nakamanya, a marketing officer from the Uganda Tourism Board, encouraged creatives to push their brands to the international market using the limited resources they have as they await government policies and laws. She added that by using their phones and social media, creatives can build their brands as individuals, promote themselves internationally, and market Uganda.
The State Minister for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo, while responding to concerns raised by creative arts stakeholders, said the government is ready to listen and engage with them to address their challenges and find lasting solutions.
Minister Mutuuzo said that the government plans to commercialize the arts and creative industry, which has traditionally been seen as a free service in Uganda’s cultural context. “We are moving from a traditional setting where talent was not paid for, and now it is becoming a job,” Mutuuzo said.
She announced that the government has earmarked 26 billion shillings to ensure the arts and creative industry is transformed into a job-creating sector. Mutuuzo assured artists of support from President Yoweri Museveni, CEOs, and various ministries to ensure the creative industry thrives. She also mentioned that the long-awaited copyright law is expected to be passed before the 11th Parliament concludes.
She stressed the need to create domestic laws that can govern the industry and solve the challenges faced by creatives. Additionally, the minister revealed that the government is working on establishing a Creative Council to ensure all stakeholders are represented and to include professionals from each domain.
In her speech, Mutuuzo highlighted the significance of culture, describing it as the totality of people and their way of life bringing together values, beliefs, languages, and customs that form the collective memory and identity of a people. She noted that Uganda has 65 indigenous communities, each with its unique heritage and traditions, which are under threat from urbanization, globalization, modernization, and the lack of investment and documentation.
To address this, Mutuuzo announced that the government plans to establish 19 cultural centers in the 19 sub-regions to help artists and creatives in their work. The theme for this year’s retreat is “Creating a Voice for Tourism, Inspiring Ambassadors for Uganda’s Heritage.”