MDD can transform Uganda in Driving Future Jobs, Innovation : Victoria University VC Muganga.

Victoria University Vice Chancellor, Fr. Lawrence Muganga has called for the urgent repositioning of Music, Dance and Drama (MDD) within Uganda’s education system as a critical driver of future jobs, innovation, and economic transformation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

He reinforced this position during the Annual Music, Dance and Drama Festival hosted by Mengo Senior School on 25th April 2026 where he was represented by the Marketing and Students Recruitment Manager of Victoria University, Conan Businge who also attended as Chief Guest.

“Globally, the world of work is undergoing a fundamental shift driven by artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation. As routine and repetitive jobs decline, the demand for uniquely human skills—creativity, communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence—continues to rise” he said

He highlighted that Music, Dance and Drama is one of the most powerful platforms within secondary education that naturally develops these competencies.

Dr. Muganga underscored that global creative economy is no longer marginal but a major economic force that encompasses: the cultural and creative industries generating approximately $2.3 trillion annually, contributing about 3.1% of global GDP , The sector employing over 30 million people worldwide, with broader estimates reaching 50 million jobs globally, the fast-growing creator economy alone projected to reach nearly $480 billion by 2027, powered by digital content, storytelling, and performance-based platforms among others.

Uganda’s Creative Sector: A Sleeping Giant

Uganda is already experiencing the economic impact of creativity:

• The creative sector contributes approximately 3% of GDP (about UGX 4.2 trillion)

• It employs over 400,000 Ugandans, many of them youth

• The sector includes over 250,000 enterprises and small businesses across music, film, crafts, and digital media

• Arts, entertainment, and recreation have shown rapid growth, reaching up to 4.1% of GDP in recent years

“Across Africa, the film and audiovisual industry alone employs around 5 million people and contributes $5 billion to GDP, highlighting the continent’s untapped creative potential. Despite this, the sector remains underfunded and under-structured, receiving as little as 0.016% of national budget allocations in some instances” he said.

Among the capabilities required in high-growth sectors such as he mentioned includes: Film and television, Music and entertainment, Digital content creation (YouTube, TikTok, media platforms), Advertising and brand storytelling, Tourism and the experience economy among others.

He added that: “Uganda has the potential to lead Africa in the creative economy—but only if it intentionally develops talent from the earliest stages of education. In this new economy, the most valuable individuals will be those who can combine creativity with technology—a fusion that begins in spaces like MDD”