• Abtex met the President to present key challenges facing promoters, including heavy taxation, event security and lack of government representation.
• Although no immediate promises were made, Abtex says none of the proposals were rejected, leaving promoters encouraged.
• The promoter also raised concerns over the delayed balance of the Shs10 billion pledge meant to support Uganda’s entertainment industry.

Events promoter Abbey Musinguzi, popularly known as Abtex, has come away encouraged after a recent meeting with the President, saying the conversation could mark a turning point for Uganda’s entertainment industry.

In an interview with Sanyuka TV shortly after the meeting, Abtex revealed that he used the opportunity to push for better representation of promoters within government. One of his key proposals was the creation of a dedicated position to listen to and address the challenges faced by event organizers.

He explained that promoters raised several pressing issues, including heavy taxation, security concerns at events, and other obstacles that continue to make work difficult in the sector.

Although the President did not give immediate commitments, Abtex says the response was far from discouraging. According to him, none of the ideas were dismissed outright, something he views as a positive sign.

“Everything we talked about, the President didn’t say no,” Abtex noted, adding that this left him hopeful for continued engagement and possible reforms.

The promoter also brought up the long-discussed pledge of Shs10 billion meant to support promoters. He told the President that the Shs3 billion they previously received—released in two installments—was quickly shared among struggling promoters and barely made an impact.

Abtex says they are now waiting for feedback on the remaining balance of the promised funds, even as internal pressures, including those involving Balaam, continue to complicate the matter.