According to the national budget reading delivered by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija on Thursday, UGX 66 billion has been earmarked specifically for the creative arts sector. This funding is part of a larger UGX 835.98 billion Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ICT package aimed at driving growth in key sectors.
In addition to this allocation, an extra UGX 10 billion has been set aside to help artists recover from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The fund will also serve as a revolving facility to support emerging talents in creating wealth and generating employment opportunities within the creative space.
While this development has sparked excitement among sections of the creative community, it has also attracted skepticism from social media users. Many are questioning how the funds will be utilized, citing past controversies involving funding for artists.
This isn’t the first time the government has injected funds into the creative sector. Earlier reports indicated that Eddy Kenzo’s Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) received UGX 13 billion from the government, a move that stirred heated debate online over how the money was distributed—particularly allegations that the top leadership shared the lion’s share.
With the new allocation on the table, many Ugandans are hopeful that this time around, the funds will directly benefit upcoming talents and improve the creative ecosystem.
The Govt has provided Shs 66B for the creative arts industry in FY 2025, part of a larger Shs 835.98B STI & ICT package. Earlier, Shs 10B was given to help artists recover post-COVID & support young talents to create jobs & wealth. What do u think? . #Nbsafter5 #CreativeEconomy… pic.twitter.com/6kxa6K3npJ
— Douglas Lwanga (@DouglasLwangaUg) June 12, 2025Stay tuned for more updates.
