Parliament rejects additional Shs30 billion request for creatives’ “artistic home” in Bwebajja

• Parliament rejects request for Shs30 billion additional funding for the Artistic Home in Bwebajja.

• The creative sector previously received Shs38 billion for the project, which is still ongoing.

• MPs stress accountability, oversight, and tangible results before any further allocations.

Parliament has rejected a request from Uganda’s creative industry for an additional Shs30 billion to complete the construction of the Artistic Home for Common User Facility in Bwebajja. It should be noted that the sector was previously allocated Shs38 billion to undertake this project.

During the budget discussions, MPs emphasized that once funds are allocated for a project, it is expected to cover its completion.

 “When you are given Shs38 billion to construct a facility, you must complete the work. Asking for more money defeats the purpose at which it was allocated,” said one MP during deliberations.

Committee members were informed that while work on the artistic home is ongoing, it should have been completed within the allocated funds.

 “By the time Shs38 billion was given, there must have been a logical plan costed out. We expect serious oversight to ensure results,” the MP added.

It should be noted that the creative sector has in recent years become a visible and thriving sector under the NRM government. With the leadership of Eddy Kenzo under the Uganda National Music Foundation (UNMF), the sector has received substantial government funding, and more support is incoming. This includes the highly anticipated copyright law, aimed at strengthening the rights and revenues of creatives in Uganda.

MPs called for detailed reports, including pictures of completed work and costed plans, before any further funds could be considered. “This is a presidential initiative, and we cannot recommend more funds without seeing concrete results,” said one committee member.