Earlier today, the European Union and UNESCO launched a partnership, in tandem with the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to support the development of the local film industry.
The year-long project is titled, “Creating Measures to Provide a Tax Incentive and Encourage Formation of and Coordination among Professional Associations aimed at Supporting Local Content Development and Professionalization of the Film Sector in Uganda.”
The project will see lots of consultations resulting in multiple measures addressing the challenges faced in the film industry.
The Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze was in attendance and commended the partnership saying it would help solve a number of problems for the youth and the country as a whole.
“The project is a timely step towards achieving the government’s plans for the culture and creative sub-sector following its prioritization as a major driver for economic development in the next 5 years.”
He further said this would create a strong film industry that will be a source of employment opportunities, a source of foreign exchange, and tell the authentic Ugandan story through all the local content.
According to the 2020 Uganda National Culture Policy Regulatory Assessment Report, despite its ability to employ more youth than any other sub-sector in the economy, the local film industry is still plagued by a number of challenges including lack of access to funding, high levels of piracy and limited capacity amongst filmmakers.
In regards to the project, a team of 30 people has already been put in place, and a workplan drawn to address all focal issues of the project.
“We need to ensure we have Ugandan films at the theatre, Ugandan music on the radio, Ugandan books in the library, Ugandan art in the museums,” said Ms. Rosie Agoi, the Secretary General of Uganda National Commission for UNESCO.
