TAKEAWAYS

• Ramathan Ggoobi says creatives remain part of government budget priorities.
• Government has supported the sector through copyright reforms and revolving funds.
• The proposed musicians’ home in Mutundwe is delayed by procurement but still expected.

Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, has reassured Uganda’s creatives that they remain firmly within government plans and priorities ahead of the upcoming national budget.

Speaking to journalists, Ggoobi said government has steadily responded to the concerns and requests raised by creatives over the years, including musicians and performers seeking better protection and financial support.

According to Ggoobi, one of the sector’s biggest requests was the enactment of a copyright law to protect intellectual property and improve earnings from creative work. He noted that government moved to address the concern and the law is now in force to support artists and creators.

He further explained that creatives also asked for a revolving fund to ease access to financing, a request that government granted through dedicated funding mechanisms aimed at helping the sector grow. Ggoobi urged creatives to remain united and align with the fund instead of allowing divisions to derail its intended purpose.

“You asked for the copyright law and government delivered. It is now operational to support and protect creatives,” Ggoobi said.

The Treasury boss also assured musicians that the long-awaited home, complete with studios and permanent facilities in Mutundwe, is still on course despite procurement delays.

“If it was not for procurement procedures, the musicians’ home would already have been handed over. It is coming soon,” he added.

Ggoobi further described creatives as part of Uganda’s broader Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) agenda, emphasizing that innovation extends beyond laboratories to include the creative economy.

In recent years, Uganda’s music and creative industries have increasingly benefited from government-backed initiatives, funding programs and legal reforms aimed at strengthening the sector and improving livelihoods.