GULU CITY, December 17, 2025 — Government, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development [MGLSD], has injected Shs 1billion into Greater Northern Uganda’s creative industry, covering the Acholi, West Nile, Lango and Karamoja sub-regions.
The money, provided in the form of a revolving fund, was recently handed over to Walk Arts Creative Foundation to support asset financing, music production, and artists engaged in commercial agriculture.
“For many years, creatives in Northern Uganda have operated in isolation, with only a few benefiting from government programmes aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of Ugandans,” said Simon Nyigiling, the General Secretary of Walk Arts Creative Foundation.
Nyigiling told journalists during a media briefing on Tuesday that the latest financial support is part of a Shs 49bln 10-year development plan submitted to government through the MGLSD.
Under the plan, Shs 20bln is earmarked for supporting Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs], while Shs 29bln will go towards music production and commercial agriculture, particularly coffee growing.
Solomon Aboda, Chairperson of Walk Arts Creative Foundation, noted that only registered members will benefit from the revolving loans.
He explained that the Foundation has so far registered more than 5,000 members across the Greater North, including musicians, publishers, media practitioners, artists, designers and promoters.
According to Aboda, each member is required to pay a Shs10,000 registration fee, a Shs20,000 annual subscription and purchase two shares valued at Shs100,000, bringing the total initial contribution to Shs130,000.
In addition, members are required to save Shs 20,000 weekly, which will be invested through a SACCO. Members will then earn dividends from the net profits.
Aboda lauded government for supporting artists in Northern Uganda.
“This is the first time government has recognised us and directly supported the arts industry in Northern Uganda. It has taken long for government to acknowledge the value of this sector,” he said.
He further urged members to invest the funds prudently and maintain financial discipline if they are to benefit sustainably from their work.
The Nwoya District Commercial Officer and Technical Advisor to the Foundation, Godfrey Odoki, warned against misuse of the funds if the Foundation is to retain government trust.
Odoki said government has benchmarked SACCOs as the most effective model for financial inclusion and remains committed to reviving cooperatives across the country.
He urged SACCO board members to hold regular meetings and provide reports to members to ensure trust and accountability.
“This is seed capital. Do not consume it. Government is looking to transform household incomes through cooperatives,” Odoki cautioned.
He further advised members to prioritise teamwork and allow their SACCO to grow into a strong financial institution.
Artist Mario Atwine, popularly known as Professor Mario, the Foundation’s Lango Sub-region Chairperson and Treasurer, pledged transparency and accountability in the management of funds.
“I thank H.E. the President of Uganda for recognising Walk Arts Creative Foundation, which is transforming the creative industry,” he said.
Veteran artist Tempra Omona also commended government for supporting the growth of the creative industry in Northern Uganda, appealing to members to work together.
“Our time was very tough. We did not even have recording studios or theatres. We never imagined government could invest in this sector,” Omona said.
Robina Amony, a content creator and publisher, said that as the region continues to recover, there is an urgent need to protect women from economic vulnerability.
“Women are the powerhouse. They have the vision, but these visions can only transform the nation when stakeholders come in to support them,” Amony observed.
Pamela Peace, another veteran artist and Acholi Sub-region Chairperson of the Foundation, encouraged more creatives to register and grow with the organisation.
Walk Arts Creative Foundation was established in December 2024 with support from Operation Wealth Creation, under the guidance of Sylvia Owori, Director of Operations.
The organisation, limited by guarantee, supports creatives in music, performing arts, film, publishing, crafts and video production.
According to reports by the Uganda Investment Authority [UIA] and the World Bank [2018–2019], the creative arts sector — encompassing arts, culture, creativity and tourism — contributes approximately US$1.6 billion annually to Uganda’s economy and is expected to generate up to 75 per cent of future jobs and revenue.
The growth of the creative sector in Northern Uganda is expected to boost the economy, strengthen local communities and promote cultural exchange and preservation.
https://thecooperator.news/owc-to-donate-2-5mln-coffee-seedlings-to-creative-artists/
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