Stakeholders from Uganda’s creative sector, representatives from the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Creative Industries (UGAPAFOCI), and policy implementers convened in Kampala to review and discuss the Policy on Culture and Creative Industries.
The organisers said the engagement at Britrish Council marked a pivotal step towards strengthening the creative economy, with the primary focus on advocating for a dedicated Ministry for Culture and Creatives in Uganda.
Among the key stakeholders who attended included film actors and directors like Matthew Bishanga, alias Matt Bish; Cleopatra Koheirwe, Eleanor Nabwiso and musicians like Rachael Magoola, a Woman MP.
According to the stakeholders, the proposed ministry would provide much-needed oversight, funding, and infrastructural support to Uganda’s flourishing creative industries.
The meeting also highlighted several critical areas essential for Uganda’s cultural and creative sector’s sustainability, growth, and international competitiveness,
The keynote speakers argued that the current fragmented approach to managing Uganda’s creative industries impedes effective coordination, funding, and policy implementation.
They also argued that a separate ministry would help consolidate government efforts to promote culture and creativity, streamline funding processes, and provide a central hub for cultural initiatives and collaborations. Such a body would also serve as a critical liaison agent with international partners and platforms that support creatives, ultimately enhancing the visibility and economic potential of Uganda’s arts and cultural scene.
The other key issue highlighted was reduction of taxes on inputs for creatives, arguing that there are many taxes levied on equipment and materials used in creative production.
Equipment for art, music, film, and fashion, were identified as a major barrier for creatives. As a resolution, the speakers advocated for a reduction in these taxes to make tools and materials more accessible and affordable and such a move would lower production costs, allow more young creatives to enter the market, and enhance the competitiveness of Uganda’s creative products in local and international markets.
There was a strong push for the revision of copyright laws to ensure that artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, and other creatives can protect their work and receive fair compensation when it is used or reproduced. Strengthening copyright enforcement mechanisms would also help curb piracy and unauthorized usage of creative works.
Among other things discussed include capacity-building initiatives through trainings and workshops on intellectual property rights, digital marketing, and financial management to equip creatives with skills to thrive independently, enhanced government support and funding through increasing government grants and subsidies to facilitate creative projects, especially those that represent Uganda’s cultural heritage on a global platform.