As Uganda’s creative industry continues to grow, one challenge has remained consistent — the gap between raw talent and industry-ready professionals.
Leading production and live events company Play It Loud has announced the launch of its Creative Trainee Programme 2026, an initiative designed to discover, train, and empower the next generation of creative professionals.
The programme targets aspiring directors, directors of photography (DOPs), set designers, data managers, and sound and lighting technicians, offering them hands-on experience in real-world productions including live events, studio shows, and live streams.
According to Play It Loud, the idea for the programme was born out of experience.“When we started producing at scale, we realised something was missing,” says Shafik Nekambuza, part of the Play It Loud management team. “We have incredibly creative young people in Uganda, but many are untrained, undiscovered, or lack structured exposure to professional production environments.”
Rather than import talent or work around the gap, Play It Loud chose to invest directly in the community. The Creative Management Trainee Programme is positioned as both a skills-transfer initiative and a long-term industry investment. Trainees will learn from experienced local professionals as well as industry experts from across Africa, who will be flying in to mentor and train participants during the programme.
Beyond technical skills, the programme focuses on professional discipline, teamwork, creative management, and understanding the realities of working in high-pressure production environments.
Shafik explains. “It’s also about sustainability. Some of the trainees will grow into long-term careers with Play It Loud, while others will go on to build their own careers and in turn train others. That’s how an industry grows.”
Play It Loud says the initiative also creates a safe and structured platform for young creatives to express themselves, refine their craft, and gain confidence in a competitive industry that often lacks formal entry points.
Applicants are required to submit links to work they have already done to production@playitloud.com, reinforcing the programme’s focus on passion, initiative, and real creative effort rather than academic qualifications alone.
The programme runs for a minimum of three months, with only shortlisted applicants contacted. Applications close on 25th January 2026.
