LIRA CITY, November 19, 2025 — The government has allocated Shs 28 billion to support the creative industry through the Creative Arts Fund, a programme aimed at strengthening enterprises within the sector.
Gender Minister, Betty Amongi announced recently that the funds will be accessed through selected Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs] identified by the government.
She urged artists in Northern Uganda to register with their respective commercial officers as soon as possible to ensure timely access to the funds.
According to Minister Amongi, the fund will benefit several categories within the creative sector, including fashion and design, dance, media and press, culinary arts, music, and other creative fields.
She emphasised that the initiative is part of the government’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting economic empowerment among creatives.
Speaking on Thursday during a consultative meeting with creatives at Zegan Hotel in Lira City, Minister Amongi said the government wants the industry to grow, create jobs and contribute significantly to the national economy, as is the case in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
“We want to build the creative industry as an engine of job creation and economic development, and we expect the sector to use the money properly so that the country can realise its goals,” she said.
Amongi explained that the money is a revolving fund, accessible through selected SACCOs at an interest rate of only 5 percent per annum.
She noted that many people in the sector are not registered with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, but said arrangements have been made to fast-track their registration within ten days so they can qualify for the fund.
Lawrence Olobo, an official from the Ministry of Gender attached to the Uganda Cultural Centre, said the team is in the region to train, verify and select artists working in different fields.
He added that the five-year programme targets creatives who have long been left out of government initiatives and are often regarded as unorganised.
Innocent Ogwang praised the government for the programme, saying it will boost the industry and improve the financial stability of creatives.
He added that the initiative is far better than borrowing from commercial banks, which charge very high interest rates.
Ben Opio, a graphic designer in Lira City, also welcomed the idea of channelling the money through SACCOs at a low interest rate.
He said many government programmes have too much bureaucracy, causing people to give up because of the lengthy processes involved in accessing funds.
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