On October 2nd and 3rd, 2024, the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) hosted a vibrant exhibition of cultural enterprises at the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC-National Theatre). The event brought together a diverse array of exhibitors, mostly supported by CCFU, to showcase the transformative power of culture in creating economic opportunities and fostering cultural identity.
The exhibition was a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Uganda, with a wide range of innovative enterprises on display. Women from Indigenous Minority Groups took centre stage, showcasing their unique crafts and products, while youth entrepreneurs also made their mark, highlighting the potential of cultural enterprises as a source of employment and economic growth.
One of the highlights of the exhibition was a presentation by Lillian Bakko Nyangoma, representative of the Uganda National Art and Crafts Association (NACCAU), on partnerships and marketing. This insightful talk provided valuable insights and guidance for the exhibitors, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and effective marketing in the cultural industry. The presentation was complemented by experience-sharing sessions, where exhibitors and attendees shared their stories and learned from one another.
The exhibition was well-attended, with hundreds of people flocking to the UNCC-National Theatre to experience the vibrant display of cultural enterprises. The timing of the event was particularly significant, coinciding with the commemoration of World Tourism Day. As part of the National Organising Committee, CCFU played a key role in promoting cultural tourism and highlighting the potential of Uganda’s rich cultural heritage to contribute to the country’s economic development.
“We are thrilled to have provided a platform for these talented entrepreneurs to showcase their work. Our goal is to empower cultural enterprises and promote the value of culture in creating economic opportunities and fostering cultural identity. We’ll continue to support the growth of Uganda’s cultural and creative sector.”
Simon Musasizi, Heritage Trust Programmes Manager, CCFU
The CCFU exhibition was a success, demonstrating the power of culture to create positive change and drive economic growth. We look forward to seeing the impact of this event and the continued growth of Uganda’s cultural enterprises in the years to come.
CCFU’s Cultural Entrepreneurship Project
CCFU’s cultural entrepreneurship project has been instrumental in supporting Indigenous Minority Groups (IMGs) in Uganda, particularly women, to preserve and promote their unique cultural identity, and to empower them to generate revenue through the sale of their crafts. Key interventions have included facilitating access to raw materials, providing mini-grants to support the growth of their crafts-based enterprises, offering marketing and publicity support, and organizing exhibitions to showcase their cultural heritage and crafts.