The government, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, has allocated one billion Shillings to boost the Northern Uganda Arts and Creative Industry. The revolving fund was officially handed over to the Walk Arts Creative Foundation, aimed at supporting asset financing, music production, and commercial agriculture for artists and creative professionals in the region.

Speaking to journalists during a Tuesday media briefing, the Foundation’s General Secretary, Simon Oyoo Nyigiling, stated that the support forms part of a long-term 49-billion-Shilling development plan spanning ten years. According to Nyigiling, artists and other stakeholders in Northern Uganda’s creative sector collaborated to present a 49-billion-Shilling proposal to the government, seeking guidance and support for sustainable growth.

The development plan designates 20 billion Shillings to strengthen the SACCO, while 29 billion Shillings will fund the development of music infrastructure and promotion of commercial agriculture. The Foundation’s Chairperson, Solomon Aboda, emphasized that only registered members are eligible to benefit from the revolving loans.

Currently, the Foundation boasts over 5,000 registered members across Northern Uganda, including musicians, publishers, promoters, and other creative professionals. Aboda explained that each member contributes a registration fee of 10,000 Shillings, an annual subscription of 20,000 Shillings, and purchases two shares valued at 100,000 Shillings.

Additionally, members save 20,000 Shillings weekly with the Foundation, funds that are then invested through the SACCO. Dividends are distributed based on individual savings and investments. Aboda described the funding as historic, marking the first direct government investment in Northern Uganda’s arts sector, a move seen as capable of transforming the country’s economy.

Godfrey Odoki, Nwoya District Commercial Officer and Technical Advisor to the Foundation, cautioned against fund mismanagement to maintain government trust. He stressed that SACCOs are a key model for financial inclusion, with the government committed to reviving cooperatives nationwide. Odoki urged SACCO boards to hold regular meetings and maintain accountability. “This is seed capital. Don’t eat it, because the government is looking at transforming household incomes through cooperatives,” he warned.

The Walk sub-regional chairperson in Lango and Foundation Finance Secretary, Mario Atwine (Professor Mario), pledged transparency and accountability in managing the funds. Veteran artist Tempra Omona praised the government for investing in Northern Uganda’s music and creative industry, highlighting the contrast with earlier years.

“Our time was tough. We didn’t even have recording studios, and we never imagined the government would invest in this sector,” Omona said. He recalled how artists relied on their own resources during the years of conflict to promote peace among communities in internally displaced persons’ camps, making the current support particularly meaningful.

Content creator and publisher Robina Amony stressed the importance of protecting women from economic vulnerability. “The women are the powerhouse. They have the vision, but that vision can only transform the nation when there is support,” she said.

Veteran artist Pamela Peace, also Walk sub-regional chairperson for Acholi, encouraged more creatives to register and grow with the Foundation. Established in December 2024 with backing from Operation Wealth Creation under Sylvia Owori, the Walk Arts Creative Foundation is registered as a company limited by guarantee. Its mission is to support creatives across nine arts and creative domains defined by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development: music, performing arts, film and video, arts and crafts, books and publishing, software and innovation, cultural and natural heritage, and support services.

URN