Uganda’s government invests in creative arts sector with Shs 66 billion

The Ugandan government has earmarked Shs 66 billion for the creative arts industry in the 2025 Financial Year, signalling a huge boost for the sector.

This funding is part of a broader Shs 835.98 billion allocation dedicated to Science, Technology, Innovation (STI), and ICT, unveiled during the national budget reading held at Kololo Independence Grounds on Thursday.

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, while presenting the budget, emphasised the government’s growing recognition of the creative arts as a vital economic sector.

He noted that the allocated funds aim to support talent development, job creation, and wealth generation, especially among the youth.

Madam Speaker, I have provided Shs 835.98 billion for science, technology and innovation (STI), including ICT and the creative arts industry.

Of this amount, Shs 388.23 billion is for STI, Shs 381.75 billion is for ICT and digitalisation, and Shs 66 billion for the creative arts.

This new allocation follows a previous provision of Shs 10 billion aimed at helping artists recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That earlier funding was intended to act as a revolving fund to empower young creatives and boost their capacity to generate income and employment.

Government provided Shs 10 billion to the creative arts industry.

This was to support the artists to recover from the effects of COVID-19 and create a revolving fund to support young talents to create wealth and jobs.

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