By Felix Oketcho
In abid to unite Uganda creatives,Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Ministry of Gender in partnership with Uganda Performing Rights Society have launched a nationwide creative and cultural initiative dubbed the “Uganda One Festival,” slated for January 8 and 9, 2026.
According to Sylivia Owori the Director of OWC told the media in Kampala that the national festival is expected to bring together thousands of creatives, performers, entrepreneurs, innovators and cultural leaders from across the country to showcase the full spectrum of Uganda’s creative and cultural wealth.
“The arts and creative sector represented at the festival will include music, film and video, performing arts, books and publishing, visual arts, culture and heritage, digital media, fashion and other creative enterprises,”Owori stated.
“The festival is intended not only to celebrate talent but also to position the creative industry as a serious contributor to national development,”she added.
Sylvia Owori, who doubles as Chairperson of the Organising Committee said the Uganda One Festival goes beyond entertainment.
“This is not just a celebration of talent. It is an economic engine. We are unlocking the full potential of Uganda’s creative economy. This press launch is our rallying call to the nation’s artists, creators and partners. It is time to recognise, monetise and protect what we create,”she stressed.
According to Owori since Covid season OWC has exgtended Shs40 billion to boost musicians welfare adding that the funds were channelled through musicians’ associations and federations to support livelihoods and professional growth within the industry.
She underscored the fact that the creative sector employs millions of young people directly and indirectly, yet has for years been under-recognised despite its economic potential.
The Minister of Gender, Principal Communications Officer, Joshua Kyalimpa during the media launch in Kampala said the creative industry is no longer peripheral but central to Uganda’s job creation agenda and national identity.
“The creative industry is now a key driver of employment and a strong pillar of our national identity. That is why it is clearly captured in all government policy frameworks,” Kyalimpa said.
He urged the creatives to use National Creative Industry Policy to ensure structured funding, talent identification and the development of infrastructure to spur innovation.
Herbert Mugisha Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Performing Rights Society urged artists to join UPRS to benefit from their advocacy drives
Uganda Performing Right Society is a society that was formed in 1985 by authors (mainly musicians) to advance the cause of copyright administration in Uganda. It is registered with the Registrar of Companies as a Company Limited by Guarantee having no share Capital, in other words it belongs to all of its members.
The festival will also serve as a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, business opportunities and policy dialogue aimed at strengthening Uganda’s creative economy