Hello Creatives, in my opinion.
The SACCOs mentioned on the released list are not creative SACCOs. They are individual or general SACCOs, and therefore this money is not genuinely meant for creatives, but rather benefits a few individuals.We have seen this pattern before. Funds such as the Women Grow Fund, Youth Livelihood Programme, and COVID-19 relief funds were announced publicly, yet real beneficiaries struggled to access them. In many cases, even banks claimed ignorance about these funds.
If the Government of Uganda truly wants to support and grow the creative industry, funding should be channeled directly into existing creative SACCOs. Currently, there are over 12 creative SACCOs that were inspected and verified by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development together with the National Cultural Forum.
These creative SACCOs need government support to formalize, strengthen governance, and expand access, instead of routing money through non-creative SACCOs such as EBBO SACCO, which operates in only one district (Mbarara), and other SACCOs that are difficult for creatives to access.
Any minister or office disbursing funds meant for creatives must plan, consult, and work directly with creatives and their recognized structures.
Until then, the claim that this money is for the creative industry remains questionable.
The struggle continues.
Jonathan k kabaka
On behalf of creatives