By Charles Batambuze
In 1993, the Government of Uganda made a decision that has since left a significant void in the country’s cultural landscape—the disbanding of the Ministry of Culture. This move has had long-lasting repercussions for Uganda’s artists and cultural practitioners, who continue to feel marginalised and underrepresented within the current governmental structure. Despite being a critical part of Uganda’s identity and economy, the cultural sector is fragmented across the Ministries of Gender, Justice, Tourism, and ICT, leading to inefficiencies and neglect of crucial issues.
Artists have been vocal about the need for a dedicated Ministry of Culture. Their advocacy highlights a growing frustration with the current system, where their issues are often sidelined or inadequately addressed. The cultural sector, which includes music, film, visual arts, literature, and traditional crafts, is integral to Uganda’s national identity and holds substantial economic potential. Yet, it suffers from chronic understaffing and insufficient funding within the existing ministries.
Following a petition by Hannington Bugingo of the Uganda Comedians Association in 2020, the President responded in March 2021, confirming that discussions on establishing a Ministry for Culture would take place within Cabinet. However, four years later, no progress has been made, much to the chagrin of artists. Similarly, a parallel letter to the President by Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho during the same period also highlighted the difficulty that artists faced due to the scattered mandates held by different government agencies. The letter called for the consolidation of these mandates under one roof to better support the cultural sector.
The fragmentation of responsibilities across multiple ministries means that no single entity is fully accountable for the welfare and development of the cultural sector. The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, for instance, is overwhelmed with a broad mandate that includes externalisation of labour, women, youth, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, family, NSSF, Industrial Court, religious affairs, and traditional leaders, leaving little room to focus on the creative industries.
Hon. Peace Mutuzo Regis the State Minister for Gender and Culture Affairs in the company of artists met with the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja the Prime Minister to discuss the transfer of culture & creative industries roles currently scattered under various Ministries, Departments pic.twitter.com/IDT3lgGikP
— National Culture Forum (@NCFUganda) May 17, 2023
Similarly, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities prioritises tourism and wildlife conservation, often relegating cultural promotion and the creative industries to the background. The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, while crucial for digital innovation and regulation of the platforms artists use for monetising their cultural goods and services, does not have the specialised focus needed to address the nuanced needs of the arts and culture.
One of the primary challenges faced by the cultural sector is the chronic understaffing within government departments tasked with cultural affairs. This understaffing leads to a lack of expertise, inadequate policy development, and poor implementation of existing cultural programmes. Without dedicated personnel who understand the unique needs and potential of the cultural sector, the industry is left to flounder.
Additionally, the budget allocations for cultural programmes are woefully inadequate. The limited funding means that many cultural initiatives are either underfunded or not funded at all. This financial neglect stifles the growth of the sector, preventing artists from accessing necessary resources, training, and infrastructure. In comparison to other sectors, culture receives a minuscule portion of the national budget, which is insufficient to drive meaningful development and support for artists.
Re-establishing the Ministry of Culture would provide a centralised body dedicated to the promotion, development, and preservation of Uganda’s cultural heritage. It would ensure that the cultural sector receives the attention, funding, and policy support it desperately needs. A dedicated ministry would be able to develop comprehensive cultural policies, secure adequate funding, and implement programmes that support artists and cultural practitioners.
Such a ministry could also foster partnerships with international cultural organisations, opening up opportunities for Ugandan artists on a global stage. It could facilitate the creation of cultural hubs, provide grants and subsidies to artists, and support cultural education in schools. Moreover, a dedicated ministry would be better positioned to advocate for the cultural sector within the government, ensuring that artists’ voices are heard and their contributions valued.
The reinstatement of the Ministry of Culture is not just about administrative reorganisation; it is about recognising the fundamental role that culture plays in the social and economic fabric of Uganda. Culture is a powerful tool for social cohesion, national pride, and economic development. By investing in the cultural sector, the government would be investing in the heart and soul of the nation.
In conclusion, it is high time for the Government of Uganda to listen to the calls of its artists and cultural practitioners. The reinstatement of the Ministry of Culture would signal a commitment to preserving Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and supporting the vibrant creative community. It would provide the necessary framework to address the sector’s challenges and unlock its full potential. For the sake of Uganda’s cultural future, the government must act now.
The writer is Vice Chairman of the National Culture Forum (NCF). www.ncfuganda.org.ug
