Kampala, Uganda – The Executive Director of the National Planning Authority (NPA), Dr. Joseph Muvawala has delivered a stark warning about the country’s neglect of the creative industry.
Speaking at the National Validation Workshop on Uganda’s National Strategy for the Creative Economy, Dr. Muvawala emphasized that Uganda has delayed for too long in taking the creative sector seriously, despite its vast potential for job creation, economic growth, and cultural identity.
He noted that creative industry is central to all aspects of life, from religion and art to economic innovation and national currency design.
Dr. Muvawala criticized the tendency to dismiss the sector as “risky,” pointing out that most creatives in Uganda are young people and women groups that deserve institutional and financial support, not marginalization.
“Uganda has delayed for too long in taking the creative sector seriously, despite its vast potential for job creation, economic growth, and cultural identity. Creativity should not be treated as a luxury or a side activity; it’s central to all aspects of life, from religion and art to economic innovation and national currency design. Dismissing the sector as ‘risky’ is misguided, especially when most creatives in Uganda are young people and women who deserve institutional and financial support, not marginalization,” said Dr. Muvawala.
Dr. Muvawala further called for a coordinated, multisectoral approach involving government ministries, departments, and agencies.
He urged policymakers to stop working in silos and mainstream the creative economy within national planning frameworks.
“If we plan properly for agriculture, oil and gas, and infrastructure, then we must also plan for the creative industry.” Muvawala added.
Organizations like MoTIV Creations have so far created over 500 jobs and linked over 250 businesses to markets. The British Council’s Creative Economy Week in Uganda further highlights the sector’s potential for socio-economic growth, particularly among youth.
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