By Our Reporter
The government of Uganda has pledgedcontinued support towards the development of the arts and culture
During the official reopening that happened at the Uganda National Cultural Center- UNCC, Dominic Mafabi Gidudu, the State Minister in charge of Elderly at the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development, while representing his superior, Betty Among at the official reopening of the arts sector by the Uganda National Cultural -UNCC at its Offices in Kampala on Friday, noted that in addition to the already existing interventions, government plans to further support the arts sector and help artists benefit from their works.
“Let me reecho government support to the sector as already evidenced through supporting the regional concerts with an aim of directly involving grass root arts which are being aired on NT ,” he said
Government, he said has put up several interventions including; reviewing existing laws aimed at strengthening institutions, and key players in the sector, as well as regulating it. Strengthening the enforcement of the copyright law through holding meetings with partners like UNCC, National Association of Broadcasters and telecommunication companies among others.
This he said is aimed at ensuring that creators benefit from their crafts, “We also support the sector by building capacities so that the artistes can be competitive locally and Internationally. Setting up a one stop centre which will help bring together every creation under one spot,”
He said government is also giving stimulus fund which is aimed at enabling practitioners recover from the COVID-19 including the recent approval of the supplementary budget for e-Concert and inclusion of the sector in the National Development Plan III which we are now witnessing.
OPM he said is also coming to the aid of the artistes through UNCC to deliver food relief.
“I would like to ask you to embrace and take advantage of the Parish Development Model which will bring wealth creation as well as generate employment within our community. If we want support for our talents, as well as improve our income and welfare at our level as artistes, then make use of this program because it is the best way for local economic development and transformation,” he said
Speaking at the colourful function, Francis Ojede the UNCC Executive Director lauded the government for it’s interventions that have seen the artistes and all other Ugandans survive the pandemic to when the arts sector is reopened again.
“You allowed us to be alive and that’s the reason why we are here today, and on the other hand it was a blessing in disguise,” He also thanked the leadership of the Operation Wealth Creation for the support it has rendered to the artistes and the sector during the pandemic period.
While officiating the function, H. E Jules Armand Aniambossou the French Ambassador pledged their continued support to UNCC and the arts sector since it promotes talents of youth who maje up the biggest population.
“I urge you to come and study from france and come to learn about our culture, we shall continue supporting you as we have done before,” he said.
Despite of the arts sector reopening on January 24, UNCC said that it had not yet Officially opened it’s gates to artistes till Friday 18.
Robert Musiitwa the Manager Public Relations and Marketing at UNCC said that it was not easy for the artistes and the creative industry for the last two years of having the curtains down.
“During lockdown with support from French Embassy we have been training artistes to enhance their skills to build up professionally and put professional performances on stage like in Theatre Design, Directing, Design Costume Making and many others and this is part of what we have been able to see today on stage right here at the National Theatre,” he said
Guests were treated with different performances including Cobweb Production which Musiitwa said was created out of the enhancement skills they have been giving the artistes, the Buffet dance theatre production and also unveiled a special song called my country Uganda by Musician Diplock Ssegawa.
