International Trade Centre, European Union Unveil Initiative to Support Filmmakers in Uganda

The International Trade Centre and European Union announced a business acceleration project for young entrepreneurs in the Ugandan film industry. The project dubbed Opportunities Are Here (OAH) will focus on boosting the Ugandan film industry to provide young talents in Uganda with specialised mentoring, networking opportunities and media exposure that will promote growth, job creation, entrepreneurship and innovation within the film industry.

During the unveiling of the project, ITC spoke to the vast potential within the realm of filmmaking and highlighted the growth of streaming platforms, increased accessibility to affordable digital equipment, as well as the high potential for youth employment among the factors influencing the EU and ITC’s strategic decision to support the industry's growth.

Opportunities Are Here will aim at invigorating and professionalising the Ugandan film sector through delivering expert skills development, capacity building for creative businesses, and developing regional and international market access. The approach involves the nurturing of skills among content creators and equipping young creatives with the skills to produce and market high-quality original Ugandan content.

The project will forge connections with creative ecosystems and aim to enhance access to global markets, ultimately fostering a more robust and internationally competitive film industry. ITC highlighted that through this project, filmmakers will get exposure to tactics aimed at enhancing financial opportunities for the industry, addressing one of the most pertinent issues that several Ugandan filmmakers encounter.

Speaking at the launch of the project, the European Union Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek said: “Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world and we see every day, the vibrancy, energy and creativity of young artists and entrepreneurs. With this new initiative, the European Union is keen on channeling this creative energy into supporting the film industry and creating jobs for Uganda’s young people.”

Registrations for OAH will open on October 30, and all young creatives interested in seizing this opportunity are encouraged to apply.