Creative Entrepreneurs Complete Incubation Programme to Scale Cultural Businesses

KAMPALA, July 13, 2026 - Twelve Ugandan creative entrepreneurs have completed a year-long business incubation programme designed to transform cultural and creative ventures into commercially sustainable enterprises. The entrepreneurs, working in areas including fashion, product design, crafts, agriculture and cultural innovation, graduated after receiving business training, mentorship, market support and seed funding to expand their ventures. The incubation programme focused on strengthening Uganda’s creative economy by helping entrepreneurs improve business planning, financial management, branding, market access and long-term growth strategies. Participants highlighted challenges commonly faced by creative businesses, including limited access to finance, professional networks and opportunities to reach wider markets. Organisers said the creative sector should be recognised as an important contributor to economic growth, employment creation and cultural identity, rather than being viewed only as an artistic field. Among the graduates were entrepreneurs developing innovative businesses in specialised areas such as sericulture and design, who said the programme helped them establish clearer strategies, improve operations and prepare for future expansion. The initiative also emphasised the importance of promoting locally made products and strengthening the global visibility of Ugandan creative enterprises. Graduates received seed funding to support business expansion, while stakeholders called for continued investment in the creative industries as a growing source of jobs and economic opportunities.