Government has officially started implementing the UGX 28 billion Creative Uganda Revolving Fund, a programme aimed at turning creativity into a viable source of income and employment for thousands of Ugandans.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, the Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Hon. Peace Regis Mutuuzo, said the fund is designed to address long-standing financing challenges that have limited growth in the creative sector.
“For many creatives, access to affordable capital has remained out of reach,” Mutuuzo said. “This fund is intended to support serious practitioners to grow their businesses, create jobs and contribute to national development.”
The money, allocated in the 2025/2026 national budget, will be disbursed through verified, artist-led SACCOs to ensure accountability and sector ownership. UGX 5 billion has been allocated to musician SACCOs under the Uganda National Musicians Federation, UGX 5 billion to strengthening copyright management systems, while UGX 18 billion will support SACCOs serving other creative fields such as film, fashion, visual arts, publishing and digital innovation.
Government explained that the facility will operate as a revolving fund, with beneficiaries expected to repay loans at a low interest rate of five percent, allowing the money to benefit many creatives over time.
“This is not a grant,” the minister emphasized. “It is affordable financing that must be used responsibly so the fund can continue supporting others.”
Officials also revealed that the creative sector had initially proposed a UGX 60 billion allocation, but government opted to release UGX 28 billion in the first phase to test systems and strengthen oversight before expanding the programme.
Veteran musician Ragga Dee, a member of the National Cultural Forum, said sector leaders had pushed for strict safeguards to ensure transparency in the management of the fund.
“Our concern has always been accountability and honesty in the SACCOs handling this money,” Ragga Dee said.
So far, UGX 9.5 billion has already been disbursed to implementing partners, while an additional UGX 2 billion has been released to support the development of a national copyright management system expected to improve artists’ earnings.
Beyond loans, the programme also includes training in financial management, entrepreneurship and intellectual property protection, as government seeks to build a sustainable and competitive creative economy.
