Selam in partnership with Connect for culture Africa have presented the Baseline study and stakeholder mapping for public investment in Uganda’s culture sector aimed at providing valuable insights into the current state of public investment in the culture sector and to identify key stakeholders within the culture sector to enhance lobbying efforts for cultural development.

The study on the state of public investment in the culture sector in Uganda presents both challenges and opportunities. The challenges relate to lack of specific classification of culture as an independent vote in the realms of public investment budgeting processes and the lack of detailed data on where public resources meant for culture and creative sectors are spread across different institutions of government.

During the presentation at the Ministry of Gender and Labour, Julius Bwanika, Secretary General, Pearlwood noted that the culture and creative industry lacks detailed data for where public resources meant for the sector are spread across different institutions of government.

Bwanika said, “There is less engagement with the stakeholders. The government offers only 0.5 percent of the national budget which is too little for the smooth running of the sector’s activities.”

He called for the government to increase the budget to at least 1%.

He noted, “Total local government expenditure over the last 5 years has been less than 1% per year. The highest expenditure has been 0.4% in the year 2019/2020. The highest expenditure on culture at municipality level was 0.3% in 2019/2020 of the National budget. Expenditure on culture at district level (Local governments) also remains below 1% across for the last 5 years. The expenditure was ranging between 0.1- 0.4 with higher in the year 2019/2020 at 0.4% compared to other years.”

To identify challenges, the study underscored opportunities for multi-agency engagement and recommended creating a sector Working Group to champion policy reform and investment growth. Ultimately, the study aimed to establish a foundational understanding for lobbying efforts and strategic partnerships to develop Uganda’s cultural sector.

He also suggested that a direct ministry for the creative industry be formed since it is hectic to be funded by different ministries in doing research and monitoring and evaluation

Much funding is required in the culture sector both directly and indirectly since the sector plays a big role in economic development through a more diverse approach in reaching out to the public.  

The Commissioner at the Ministry of Gender, Juliana Naome said that in partnership with the government, they will find a long-lasting solution to end the loopholes in the sector.

“I implore the stakeholders to focus on coordination. More emphasis on advocacy will help in lobbying to strengthen the sector and also reaching out to a wider audience,” she said.

The absence of comprehensive data on cultural sector investment further hampers effective planning and decision-making, as existing statistics are sparse and often outdated. In particular, limited data on the economic contributions and employment figures in the sector make it difficult to advocate for increased public funding, despite clear growth potential.

The study recommends and emphasizes a minimum allocation of 1% of the national budget to stimulate growth in culture and creative industries. Key policy suggestions include establishing a Sector Working Group anchored in the Office of the Prime Minister to streamline inter-agency coordination and lobbying efforts.

Further, targeted capacity-building initiatives are recommended to enhance professionalism and skills within the sector, alongside robust intellectual property protections to safeguard cultural outputs. To support these goals, local governments should decentralize budget allocations for culture and include the creative sector in local planning processes, thereby enabling broader access to funding and community involvement in cultural programs.

The study underscores involvement of local communities in planning and implementation processes for culture programmes, policy makers and other government officials may well discover that people are willing to work hard to make sure their cultural heritage development programs achieve the desired objectives.

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Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) in Uganda have been advised to diversify their investments to ensure financial sustainability.

“Statistics show that all banks in Uganda only serve five million people yet the SACCOS serve close to 20 million people. It’s paramount for us as one of the leading drivers of Uganda’s economic development to provide access to inclusive and affordable financing for all citizens, regardless of their social status,” said Francis Karuhanga, CEO of Stanbic Holdings Uganda Limited.

Karuhanga made the call during a recent SACCOS forum organized by Stanbic Bank. “Traditional investment avenues may not yield desired returns in today’s dynamic economic landscape,” he added.

Stanbic Bank has increased its credit ceiling for unsecured loans to SACCOS from Shs200 million to Shs4 billion at an interest rate of 10%, payable in 36 months.

“Stanbic Bank operates under our purpose: Uganda is our home, we drive her growth. In fulfillment of this, we are excited to be walking this journey together. We believe that by offering reasonably priced and tailored solutions, we are not only creating opportunities for our customers but also transforming the lives of people who we cannot reach as a bank,” Karuhanga said.

Salima Asha Katamba, Investment Manager at SBG Securities, highlighted the benefits of investing in unit trusts. “Unit trusts are not only managed by professionals, but also provide accessibility for smaller organizations that may lack the capital to invest in larger ventures such as buildings. The minimum amount one needs to open up a unit trust account is just Shs 100,000, which is much cheaper compared to the money needed to acquire a fixed asset like land.”

James Junguru, Stanbic Bank’s Head of SACCOS Department, outlined the bank’s support for SACCOS. “For SACCOS to access this financing, they must have been in operation for at least three years, with audited books of accounts and credible leadership.”

Josephine Nakato, FlexiPay Head of Customer Experience, showcased the advantages of mobile money solutions. “With FlexiPay, members of cooperatives are offered better financial management tools with integrated features such as budgeting, transaction history, and account monitoring that help them keep track of their finances more effectively.”

Dogo Singh, Assurance Manager at Stanbic Bank, emphasized the importance of integrating insurance. “Insurance is the golden ring for the economy and a paramount asset for an individual or organization.”

The Pakasa Forum, scheduled for November 23, 2024, will bring together SACCOS and SMEs to explore investment opportunities and funding options.

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has extended warm congratulations to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump following his victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

In his remarks, Museveni praised Trump’s win as a testament to the will of the American people and expressed hope for strengthened relations between Uganda and the United States under Trump’s administration.

“On behalf of the people of Uganda, I congratulate you on the historic victory you achieved on the 8th of November, 2024,” Museveni wrote. “By winning both the popular and Electoral College votes, your victory was a true reflection of the feeling of the majority of citizens in the USA.”

Museveni emphasized Uganda’s readiness to collaborate with the United States in areas of shared interest, particularly in promoting peace and mutual cooperation.

“We, the freedom-loving people of Uganda, look forward to mutually beneficial engagement with your administration,” he said.

Museveni showed his commitment to fostering a peaceful and cooperative relationship, signing off, “Yours-in-search for peace and mutually beneficial cooperation.”

The congratulatory note from Museveni reveals Uganda’s interest in continued positive diplomatic ties with the United States, particularly in light of Trump’s anticipated policies and foreign agenda.

Among other East African leaders that congratulated Trump was Kenyan President, H.E William Ruto who formerly endorsed Joe Biden and later turned to Harris Kamala.

In a statement, Ruto described Trump’s win as a testament to the American people’s confidence in his visionary, bold and innovative leadership, expressing optimism for strengthened Kenya-U.S. relations.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Kenya and on my own behalf, I convey to Your Excellency, my warmest congratulations on your election as the 47^th President of the United States of America,” Ruto stated. “Your victory is a testament to the firm resolve of the American people to repose confidence in your leadership.”

Ruto noted Kenya’s readiness to work closely with the United States under Trump’s administration.

“As you embark on this phase of your journey of leadership, Kenya stands ready to further enhance our cooperation on matters of mutual interest, including trade, investment, technology and innovation, peace and security, and sustainable development,” he said.

Reflecting on the longstanding partnership between Kenya and the United States, Ruto emphasized the mutual respect and shared values underpinning the nations’ six-decade alliance.

“Kenya values its longstanding partnership with the United States spanning over sixty years, grounded in our shared values of democracy, development, and mutual respect. We look forward to deepening our collaboration under your leadership as we work together to address global challenges, promote peace and security, and foster inclusive economic growth for the benefit of our peoples,” Ruto said.

Ruto expressed hope for continued progress and unity in the United States, stating, “Congratulations once again Mr. President-Elect, and may your tenure bring continued progress and unity to the United States of America and strengthen the bonds between our two great nations.”

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The governments of Uganda and the Federal Government of Somalia have committed to enhance diplomatic relations and reinforce collaborative security efforts between the two respective countries.

This was during a meeting led by Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Marksons Oboth, and Somalia’s Minister of Defence, His Excellency Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur that was held at Serena Hotel, Kampala aimed at building on discussions initiated by the two nations’ Heads of State.

The two Ministers signed an Implementation Agreement focused on creating practical strategies to strengthen cooperation and foster brotherhood between Uganda and Somalia in the face of shared security challenges.

Oboth underscored the importance of refining these talks into actionable plans, emphasising the nations’ collective ambition to address regional threats and reinforce mutual support across the Horn of Africa.

HE Abdulkadir praised the significant role of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in Somalia, noting that their presence has not only stabilised the region but has also provided a foundation for educational and community-building initiatives.

 “We appreciate the commitment and sacrifices made by all involved. This collective effort is essential for ongoing support and development in Somalia,” Abdulkadir said.

He added that the collaboration reflects shared values of Pan-Africanism and solidarity and is crucial for transferring security responsibilities smoothly to Somali authorities.

Lt Gen Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF, highlighted the cultural and historical ties between the two countries, describing Somalia as a place of “shared heritage” and “home” for both nations.

He stressed the need to transform foundational agreements into sustainable outcomes that benefit both nations.

The Commander of the Somalia National Armed Forces, Maj Gen Ibrahim Sheikh Muhudin, expressed gratitude to Uganda for its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and reaffirming stability in times of need.

He acknowledged the contributions of the UPDF and the work of both countries’ technical teams in clarifying troop responsibilities and tasks.

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The construction of Uganda’s second international airport, Kabalega International Airport in Hoima, is now 96.1% complete with the facility expected to be operational by August 13, 2025.

Launched in 2018, the ambitious project is set to become a major catalyst for Uganda’s growing petroleum sector, as well as tourism and agriculture.

“Construction of the 1^st Phase of Uganda’s 2^nd International Airport commenced in 2018 and is currently at 96.1% with an estimated completion date of August 13, 2025,” Ministry of Works stated.

The airport is designed to provide modern infrastructure to support Uganda’s expanding industries, in the oil and gas sector, while offering a much-needed boost to the tourism and agricultural industries.

To ensure full readiness and operational transition, the project requires an additional Shs76 billion These funds will cover key activities as part of the Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition (ORAT) phase, which includes finalizing installations and preparing the airport for full commercial operations.

“The project requires Shs76,085,000,000 for completion of the pending project activities which are part of the Operational Readiness, Activation and Transition (ORAT),” the ministry revealed.

While meeting with the technical team of the Construction Byamukama Fred, Minister of State for Works and Transport said that the project is progressing towards operationalization of this great piece of infrastructure that will boost the oil and gas, agriculture and tourism industries in the Albertine Region.

“The Airport is designed to carry some of the world’s heaviest aircraft and will be a game changer for Uganda’s export industry,” Byamukama said.

The airport will serve as a strategic transport hub, opening up Hoima to international business and tourism, significantly reducing travel time to the region, and facilitating the movement of goods and services. This will be vital for both local and international stakeholders looking to tap into Uganda’s oil reserves, as well as the agricultural potential in western Uganda.

The completion of this project will further solidify Uganda’s standing as a key player in East Africa’s infrastructure development and economic

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