Play It Loud launches Creative Trainee Programme 2026 to grow Uganda’s film & events talent

• Play It Loud has launched a Creative Trainee Programme 2026 to train Ugandan creatives in film, live events, and studio production.
• The programme targets hands-on industry readiness, mentorship, teamwork, and leadership rather than academic qualifications.
• Applications close on 25 January 2026, with shortlisted candidates gaining real production experience and expert guidance.

As Uganda’s creative industry keeps expanding, one challenge refuses to go away: bridging the gap between raw talent and professionals who are truly ready for the industry. Play It Loud, a leading production and live events company, is stepping in to help close that gap with the launch of its Creative Trainee Programme 2026.

The initiative is designed to identify, train, and empower the next wave of creative professionals. It’s aimed at aspiring directors, directors of photography (DOPs), set designers, data managers, and sound and lighting technicians. Participants will gain hands-on experience by working on real productions, including live events, studio shows, and live streams.

According to Play It Loud, the idea came directly from their own journey.

“When we started producing at scale, we realised something was missing,” says Shafik Nekambuza from the Play It Loud management team. “Uganda has incredibly creative young people, but many are either untrained, undiscovered, or haven’t had structured exposure to professional production environments.”

Instead of importing talent or working around the skills gap, the company made a deliberate choice to invest in local creatives.

The Creative Management Trainee Programme is more than just skills training; it’s a long-term investment in the industry. Trainees will learn from experienced Ugandan professionals, alongside industry experts from across Africa who will fly in to mentor and train participants.

But the programme goes beyond technical know-how. It also focuses on professional discipline, teamwork, creative leadership, and what it really takes to thrive in high-pressure production settings.

“It’s about sustainability too,” Shafik explains. “Some trainees will build long-term careers with Play It Loud, while others will go on to grow their own paths and eventually train others. That’s how an industry truly grows.”

Play It Loud adds that the programme offers a safe, structured space for young creatives to express themselves, sharpen their skills, and build confidence in an industry that often lacks clear entry points.

Applicants are required to submit links to previous work via production@playitloud.com, highlighting the programme’s emphasis on passion, initiative, and real creative effort rather than academic qualifications alone.

The programme will run for a minimum of three months, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Applications close on 25 January 2026.