Uganda gets new arts fest

Speaking during a press conference last week, UNCC boss Francis-Peter Odeje said competitions would be organised across Uganda to select the groups that will perform at the Uganda Arts and Cultural Festival.

“The performances will compliment Uganda’s cultural diversity,” he said. "The main reason for involving the various groups to participate in the planned competitions right from the grassroots is to provide an opportunity for the communities to enjoy their culture, unleash their potential, promote their talents using available platforms and to give the communities a sense of inclusion and belonging on the national stage of arts and culture.”

Odeje said the aim of the event would be to entertain, celebrate artists in Uganda and provide employment opportunities for young people. 

“The festival aims to bring together all arts and culture professionals, lovers and stakeholders to celebrate their rich cultures and to create opportunities for women and the youth to gain employment out of it.”

Traditional Teso musician Daniel Okiror told Music In Africa that Uganda was in serious need of more cultural events, particularly those seeking to promote traditional music.

“I am very happy because this means that we will be able to preserve our heritage,” he said. “The premiere of this event also means that in the long run people will get to appreciate music by other communities.

"For example, before we started Akogo Festival in 2017, most people did not know about traditional music of the Iteso and although the festival is trying to showcase our music, I believe the Uganda Arts and Cultural Festival will be a bigger platform for us to popularise our music.” 

Okiror hopes that the government will create more platforms for traditional musicians and dancers in Uganda.

“Those of us trying to preserve our heritage are rarely seen as accomplished musicians because the mainstream media sees this kind of music as boring and backward. So it is up to the government to put in the effort and promote us,” he said.