Uganda is strengthening its creative economy through expanded digital infrastructure, targeted skilling programmes and closer collaboration between government and private sector actors, positioning local content creators to compete regionally and globally.
This momentum was highlighted during Episode 9 of The Ugandan Podcast, hosted by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in partnership with MultiChoice Uganda, which brought together policymakers, industry leaders and creatives to assess progress and emerging opportunities in film and digital content creation.
Speaking on the programme, Sophia Nantongo, Under Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, said the development of creative talent must be anchored in a strong digital foundation. She noted that Uganda has expanded internet connectivity through more than 4,500 kilometres of fibre optic cable and a growing number of telecommunications masts across the country.
Nantongo said regional cooperation has further strengthened cross-border connectivity within East Africa, allowing creatives to collaborate seamlessly, including in areas where reliable internet access was previously limited.
She also pointed to the government’s broader digital transformation agenda, which has moved many public services online, including applications for passports and driving permits.
“This shift has increased the urgency of skilling programmes designed to ensure that no citizen is left behind,” Nantongo said.
To support this transition, the government has invested in training infrastructure such as the National Innovation Hub in Nakawa, which offers a fully equipped content creation studio accessible to the public at no cost. The facility enables young filmmakers and digital creators to gain hands-on skills in editing, sound design, visual production and content monetisation.
Additional training opportunities are provided through the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology, which offers government-funded and subsidised courses in ICT, filmmaking and digital media. Similar innovation hubs at Kabale University, Soroti University and Muni University are expanding access to creative resources beyond Kampala.
As digital content creation grows, Nantongo said issues of data protection, cybersecurity and intellectual property have become increasingly important. She noted that the ministry is strengthening regulatory frameworks and raising awareness to protect creators and their work, creating a safer and more predictable digital environment.
Private sector players are also playing a critical role. MultiChoice Uganda has emerged as a major driver of film and television skills development through the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF).
Speaking during the episode, Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR and Communications Manager at MultiChoice Uganda, described MTF as “a long-term investment in the future of African storytelling.” He said the initiative focuses on identifying talented young filmmakers and equipping them with practical, globally competitive production skills.
The programme operates academies in South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria and Kenya, with the East Africa Academy in Nairobi training filmmakers from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Participants receive hands-on training in scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, sound design and post-production, supported by global industry partners including Dolby, Universal and Fox.
Jamugisa emphasised that the programme is fully funded, ensuring that “financial limitations do not prevent talented Ugandans from accessing world-class film education.”
The impact of these initiatives is already visible. Ugandan filmmaker and MTF alumna Cissy Nalumansi said the programme helped shape her professional journey across writing, directing, producing and acting in award-nominated productions.
She said MTF gave her “the confidence, professional discipline and collaborative mindset needed to excel on any production set,” adding that the alumni network continues to provide mentorship and opportunities long after graduation.
Arts and culture journalist Andrew Kaggwa described the current moment as a turning point for Uganda’s creative sector.
“Creators can now find meaningful opportunities within Uganda, across East Africa and throughout the continent without having to leave home,” Kaggwa said.
However, he cautioned that talent alone is no longer sufficient, noting that professionalism, community building and a strong digital presence are increasingly essential for success.
Together, government investment and private sector engagement are laying the foundation for a more structured and competitive creative ecosystem, enabling Ugandan creators to develop their skills and tell local stories on regional and global platforms.
