By Government has so far disbursed Shs9.5 billion to creative sector institutions under the newly established Creative Uganda Revolving Fund, as part of a Shs28 billion allocation aimed at commercializing the country’s creative industry.
The Minister of State for Gender and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Peace Regis Mutuuzo, revealed the figures on Wednesday while addressing the media in Kampala, saying the fund is designed to transform creative work from an informal livelihood into a sustainable commercial enterprise.
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“This engagement is to inform the public on the design and implementation framework of the Creative Uganda Revolving Fund, the progress made so far, and to respond to issues raised since its introduction in July 2025,” Mutuuzo said.
Mutuuzo said the Shs28 billion allocation for the 2025/2026 financial year was approved to address long-standing challenges faced by creatives, particularly limited access to affordable financing. Of the total amount, Shs5 billion was earmarked for musicians’ associations under the Uganda National Music Federation, another Shs5 billion for strengthening collective management systems, while Shs18 billion targets nine creative industry domains.
“For a long time, talent remained under-capitalised and creatives were excluded from traditional financial services, yet this sector has enormous potential for economic growth and job creation,” she said.
“Already, Shs9.5 billion has been released to verified implementing partners to kick-start operations,” Mutuuzo said, adding that the funds are being channelled through domain-based creative circles to ensure accountability and sector ownership.
“This is a strategic intervention aimed at unlocking value, formalising enterprises and positioning the creative sector as a significant contributor to national development,” she added.
The beneficiaries include collective management organisations such as the Uganda Performing Rights Association (UPRA), Uganda Producers Rights Association, and the Uganda Film Industry Federation, alongside regional creative cooperatives and associations across the country.
In addition, Shs2 billion has been disbursed to support the rollout of a national corporate management system under the State House Science Team, while Shs1 billion has been allocated to support the Uganda One Art Music Festival, which will officially launch the fund.
“Strengthening corporate management and intellectual property systems is critical if creatives are to earn sustainably from their work,” Mutuuzo said.
Mutuuzo explained that the revolving fund offers loans at an interest rate of five percent, significantly below commercial lending rates, with flexible repayment schedules tailored to the project-based nature of creative work. The fund supports both individuals and organised groups, including cooperatives, companies, and associations.
“The fund is designed to revolve, meaning beneficiaries are expected to repay under agreed terms so that many more creatives can benefit over time,” she said.
She said the initiative aligns with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and government’s broader industrialisation agenda, recognising creativity as a viable economic asset capable of generating employment, export revenue and tax income.
“Creativity is not merely entertainment; it is an enterprise for export, employment and innovation,” Mutuuzo noted.
According to the ministry, the fund is expected to directly and indirectly benefit nearly three million Ugandans involved in the creative value chain, with a particular focus on youth and women.
“This intervention will generate decent jobs, increase household incomes and strengthen the creative sector’s contribution to GDP,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sylvia Owori, chairperson of the National Organising Committee of the Uganda One Festival, welcomed the disbursement, describing it as a milestone in government’s recognition of the creative sector. She said the festival, scheduled for January 9, will showcase all nine creative domains and serve as a public demonstration of how the funds are being operationalised.
“This is a very big milestone. Government has fulfilled its commitment and this signals a new phase of empowerment for young people in the creative industry,” Owori said.
Government warned that misuse of the fund or political interference will not be tolerated, stressing that strict monitoring, reporting and recovery mechanisms are in place to preserve its revolving nature.
“Misuse of the fund or political interference will not be tolerated. This fund belongs to the creative community and the people of Uganda,” Mutuuzo said.
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