Kayunga: The European Union has stepped up its backing for Uganda’s creative sector, celebrating young talent during a vibrant Yo Voice Be Hard (YVBH) showcase at the Nyege Nyege Festival in Kangulumira, Kayunga District. The event, held at the River Club Restaurant, marked the culmination of a year of mentorship and artistic training for ten emerging Ugandan creatives.
EU Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Jan Sadek, applauded the organisers for their dedication to nurturing young artists and strengthening Uganda’s arts ecosystem.
“Yo Voice Be Hard proves just how transformative creativity can be for young people. We are proud to stand alongside those uplifting new voices in Uganda’s arts scene,” Ambassador Sadek remarked.
He reaffirmed the EU’s pledge to expand its investment in the country’s cultural economy, noting the bloc’s history of supporting sectors such as agriculture, mining, and energy.
“Our commitment to Uganda extends to arts and culture because they drive identity, economic opportunity, and tourism,” he added.
Ambassador Sadek also expressed delight at being the first ambassador to attend the Nyege Nyege Festival, describing it as a powerful reflection of Uganda’s cultural vibrancy and international appeal.
Funded by the European Union, Yo Voice Be Hard is a cultural diplomacy initiative that equips young musicians, dancers, and performers with mentorship, professional skills, and platforms to amplify their craft. The programme is delivered under the “Team Europe” framework, bringing together the EU Delegation, Goethe-Zentrum, Alliance Française, the British Council, and media partner NRG Radio.
Rasheeda Nalumoso, Regional Creative Economy Programme Manager at the British Council, commended the EU for championing long-term development in the sector.
“The EU has played a pivotal role in shaping a programme that is already redefining creative journeys. Through training and masterclasses, these young artists are finding their voice and expanding their artistic horizons,” Nalumoso said.
This year’s Nyege Nyege Festival drew attendees from more than 34 countries, with international visitors making up over 38%—a testament to its growing global footprint.
Kangulumira Town Council Mayor, Robert Kiggundu, encouraged the participants to seize the opportunities available through the YVBH initiative.
“Art can be a meaningful and sustainable career. I urge the youth to use their talent to create livelihoods,” he said, adding gratitude to the organisers for choosing Kangulumira as the new host location, bringing direct economic benefits to the community.
The event also spotlighted broader Team Europe contributions to Uganda’s creative industry—including Belgium’s collaboration between Kiosk Radio and Nyege Nyege, France’s investment in music industry masterclasses and the first African Electronic Music Conference, and Denmark’s launch of The Hive, a new cultural exchange hub inside the festival.
The YVBH Lunch concluded with electrifying performances by the ten artists who completed the mentorship programme, offering them high-level visibility before festival attendees and industry leaders.
In closing, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Government of Uganda, private sector players, and institutions like the Uganda Development Bank to strengthen tourism and creative industry value chains—fueling sustainable growth and amplifying Uganda’s cultural influence on the global stage.
