The Connect For Culture Africa – CFCA delegation yesterday handed over its baseline report on Uganda’s cultural and creative industries (CCI) to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. This pivotal report offers a detailed analysis of the sector, identifying challenges and opportunities while providing actionable recommendations for sustainable growth. To ensure long-term access, the ministry has committed to archiving the report at the National Library.
Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) is an advocacy and capacity-building initiative dedicated to strengthening the cultural and creative industries (CCI) across Africa, with a particular focus on increasing public investment and policy support for sustainable cultural development. Supported by SELAM and the African Union, Connect For Culture Africa operates to amplify the contributions of the creative sector to social and economic growth, aligning with regional and global cultural priorities. The CfCA baseline study report, developed in collaboration with Ugandan stakeholders and policy influencers, provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of public funding for the CCI in Uganda. It identifies key challenges, opportunities, and critical stakeholders within the sector, delivering actionable recommendations to guide future investments, enhance policy frameworks, and foster collaboration among public and private entities. The report serves as a foundational resource, informing strategic initiatives aimed at unlocking the full potential of Uganda's cultural sector.
Supported by the African Union (AU) and SELAM, the Connect For Culture Africa - CFCA program in Uganda has secured funding of UGX 181,999,900 to implement key initiatives. These include Pearlwood's support of UGX 57,600,000 for the Uganda Parliamentary Forum in reviewing and updating the National Culture Policy, as well as the establishment of the CfCA Podcast at the National Theatre. This podcast facility will provide an open forum for stakeholders to discuss challenges and advocate for increased public funding for CCI. The facility is free for all registered members of the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC), also known as the National Theatre fostering an inclusive space for dialogue and problem-solving.
The Connect For Culture Africa - CFCA baseline report provides crucial insights into the sector's funding and development needs, highlighting the importance of targeted policy support and increased investment. It underscores recommendations such as bolstering budget allocations to 1% of the national budget for culture, implementing a Sector Working Group for coordinated policy advocacy, and enhancing intellectual property protections. These initiatives aim to strengthen Uganda’s cultural sector, benefiting the nation’s social and economic fabric.
