Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) commits to supporting the Arts and Creative Industry

Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) has noted that it will stop at nothing in its efforts to support the Arts, Culture and Creatives industry as it has the potential to employ millions and transform the country.

The commitment was made at the third PSFU Women’s Day Katale held in Jinja over the weekend.

Damali Ssali, the Chief Programs and Projects officer at PSFU urged Ugandans to take the art, culture and creatives industry seriously, noting that this industry has the potential to earn revenues in billions for the country.

Ssali commended all fashion brands that made it to Jinja for their commitment to showcasing what Uganda can offer.

She further implored Ugandans to start consuming what is made in Uganda to promote various locally-made products.

“We have a 1.5 million job gap in Uganda and we have to strive to reduce it through the art, culture and creative industry. Let us support our fashionistas, our artists and our local brands. In so doing, we shall create hundreds of jobs for our people,” she said.

There was also a panel discussion focusing on Fashion and Art. The panelists included; Abbas Kaijuka an award-winning fashion designer, Anita Peril known for her best wedding gown designs, Brenda Maraka one of the godmothers of Fashion in Uganda, an amazing fashion designer, Joshua Kiyimba of Jonjo Fashion Designers and Cissy Kyeyune; a talk show producer about style at NTV.

Others who participated in this discussion were Ms. Sarah Kagingo, the vice chairperson of PSFU, Uncle-Mo and Owek. Yudaya Babirye the Busoga Kingdom Kyabazinga Affairs Minister among others.

Models excite Jinja Residents.

Meanwhile, Jinja residents were left thrilled as models took to the runway to showcase various fashions as part of the activities climaxing the three-day PSFU Women’s Day Katale.

Day three featured a fashion show and contest-themed “Creating Work Opportunities for Young People in the Creative Sector,” organized in the Kreative village as part of the broader Women’s Day Katale event.

Revellers flocked to the venue to catch a glimpse of the showcased collections from popular creative Ugandan designers like Joshua Kiyimba of Jonjo Fashion Designers, Arija Fashions, and Rashidah a.k.a Miss She self-taught fashion designer among others.

Five models strutted the catwalk showing a variety of fashions made from various local textiles. The show was put together by Rebecca Nalunga, a fashion writer, fashion show producer and magazine stylist.

Organized by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and supported by Young Africa Works (YAW) Lead Firm Structure program that is implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the 2024 PSFU Women’s Day Katale ended on Sunday. Altogether, it had more than 200 exhibitors; the majority being women and youth.

The Women’s Day Katale was closed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East Africa Affairs Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga.