The Ugandan government has earmarked Shs 66 billion for the creative arts industry in the 2025 Financial Year, marking a significant investment in the sector.

This funding is part of a broader Shs 835.98 billion allocation dedicated to Science, Technology, Innovation (STI), and ICT, unveiled during the national budget reading at Kololo Independence Grounds on Thursday.

Presenting the budget, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija highlighted the government’s increasing recognition of the creative arts as a vital contributor to talent development, job creation, and wealth generation, particularly among the youth.

“Madam Speaker, I have provided Shs 835.98 billion for science, technology, and innovation (STI), including ICT and the creative arts industry. Of this amount, Shs 388.23 billion is for STI, Shs 381.75 billion for ICT and digitalisation, and Shs 66 billion for the creative arts,” he announced.

This new allocation follows a previous provision of Shs 10 billion, which aimed to help artists recover from the impact of COVID-19. The earlier funding was structured as a revolving fund, designed to empower young creatives and enhance their ability to generate income and employment.

“Government provided Shs 10 billion to the creative arts industry to help artists recover from the effects of COVID-19 and create a revolving fund to support young talents in wealth and job creation,” Kasaija emphasized.