UNMF receives additional Shs5 billion to strengthen musician financing

The Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) has received an additional Shs5 billion from the government to boost its SACCO, strengthening financial support for musicians across the country.

This latest disbursement comes after UNMF previously received Shs5 billion in 2024 as part of a wider Shs13 billion allocation, reaffirming government commitment to supporting musicians through structured and sustainable financing.

The funding was announced alongside the official launch of the Shs28 billion Creative Uganda Revolving Fund (CURF), a government initiative aimed at expanding access to affordable financing and business support for artists and cultural enterprises nationwide.

Speaking on Wednesday during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, the Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Peace Regis Mutuuzo, said the fund is designed to address long-standing challenges within Uganda’s creative industry.

Introduced in July 2025, CURF targets key issues such as limited access to capital, weak formal business structures, and the underutilisation of intellectual property in the creative sector.

Creativity is not a hobby, but a viable economic activity capable of transforming lives and communities.

The Shs28 billion allocation has been structured across three main areas. Shs5 billion has been earmarked specifically for Musician SACCOs under UNMF, Shs5 billion allocated to strengthening copyright management systems, and Shs18 billion set aside to support SACCOs across nine other creative domains.

These domains include film, performing arts, fashion, publishing, digital content creation, and culinary arts, among others.

CURF will operate as a revolving fund, with money disbursed through artist-led SACCOs expected to be repaid under agreed terms.

This model allows the funds to be recycled and extended to more beneficiaries over time, ensuring long-term sustainability and wider impact within Uganda’s creative industry.