The President of the Federation of Uganda Events Organizers and Promoters Association (FUPA) has commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for extending financial support to SACCOs serving Uganda’s events and creative industry, while criticizing the Minister for Youth, Balaam Barugahara, over what he described as continued neglect of promoters.
Addressing the press on Thursday, January 23, 2026, at Piato Restaurant, the FUPA President said the funding from President Museveni was long overdue and comes as a lifeline to an industry that has struggled for years without structured government support. He noted that the money will help promoters access affordable capital, stabilize their businesses, and regain dignity.
Abitex also acknowledged musician Bebe Cool for helping bridge the gap between the federation and President Museveni, saying the connection played a key role in unlocking the funding. According to the FUPA President, promoters had made several attempts to engage government through formal channels with little success until that intervention.
However, in his remarks, Abitex accused Balaam—himself a promoter—of abandoning the industry since taking office, saying promoters have received neither guidance nor tangible support from the ministry meant to represent them.
“It is disappointing and unacceptable that someone who rose from this very industry would completely turn his back on it once in power,” Abitex said, adding that Balaam’s actions have eroded trust among promoters.
Abitex further revealed that the minister went on to form a separate SACCO, a move he said has complicated the funding process and divided promoters. As a result, two SACCOs are now in line to receive government funding, each expected to receive UGX 5 billion, bringing the total allocation to UGX 10 billion. So far, UGX 1.5 billion has been released to each SACCO, with the remaining funds expected later.
He concluded by calling on President Museveni to continue engaging directly with genuine stakeholders in the creative industry and to shield promoters from leaders who, he said, use their positions to divide rather than uplift the sector.
