President Yoweri Museveni has approved and facilitated a UGX 7 billion government grant aimed at boosting Uganda’s entertainment and events industry through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOS) formed by music and event promoters.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who confirmed the official release of funds, saying the initiative is meant to help promoters recover from financial strain caused by event cancellations, post-COVID setbacks, and ongoing business pressure in the creative sector.
UGX 10 Billion Entertainment Industry Pledge Fully Completed
Government communication shared through Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC) Uganda indicated that the UGX 7 billion forms the final installment of a UGX 10 billion presidential pledge. An initial UGX 3 billion had already been disbursed earlier, completing the full package promised to the sector.
The funds will be distributed through three promoters’ SACCOS, with government positioning the structure as a way to provide affordable financing, strengthen entertainment businesses, and improve access to credit for industry players who often struggle to secure bank loans.
Nabbanja Confirms Official Release To Promoters’ SACCOS
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja officially confirmed the handover, emphasizing that the government’s intervention is aimed at stabilizing the creative economy and supporting promoters who have faced sustained financial pressure over the past years.
She noted that the SACCO model was chosen to ensure structured access to funds and long-term sustainability within the sector.
Anti-Corruption Concerns Surface Over Earlier Fund Disbursement
However, the rollout has also attracted scrutiny. During consultations with promoters, concerns were raised over beneficiary verification, transparency in earlier disbursements, and claims that some groups were left out of the funding process.
Reports also indicate that allegations of attempted misuse of earlier funds triggered investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, leading to closer monitoring of how the money is being handled within the SACCO structures.
Government insiders further revealed that President Museveni signed a formal authorization letter allowing access to the funds after internal reviews, reinforcing State House backing of the initiative despite governance concerns raised along the way.
Despite the controversies, supporters say the funding offers a crucial lifeline to an industry still recovering from years of instability, while critics insist accountability must remain central if the program is to succeed.
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