Howdy,
Tourism is one of the driving factors for Uganda’s economy, alongside agriculture, coffee, electricity, and minerals, to mention a few. While traditionally tourism consisted of foreigners visiting natural sites and wildlife, the industry has over the past few years expanded to other sectors, including music and the performing arts. More Ugandans have also over the years embraced the sector, no longer perceiving tourism as ‘a thing rich foreigners do’, to becoming active participants. Ugandans now own transport, meals and accommodation facilities, tour and travel agencies, name it. Some have invented software systems to make operations smooth, while others are travel agents and tour guides, the list is endless.
But tourism is not limited to foreigners, wildlife, or luxury and big budgets. It is also a local moving from their city or district to another region of the country, it is when a musician goes for a regional tour, when students are taken to visit National monuments, or when a parent takes his or her children to the zoo. The scenarios are endless, and the budget could be from as little as 30 dollars or even less, to thousands or millions of dollars. Outside of traditional tourism, music and the arts have also become heavy contributors to Uganda’s economy, and their impact is to still be heavily felt.
Here are are four examples of arts and music organizations in Uganda, and how they have over the years become key contributors to tourism.
Nyege Nyege Festival
(music & the performing arts).
Over the past few years, Uganda has hosted one of Africa’s biggest music festivals, Nyege-Nyege. established in 2014, Nyege Nyege has supported hundreds of underground local and international artists including musicians, DJs, and all sorts of performers. Moreover, Nyege-Nyege happens in Jinja City, Uganda’s adventure capital. The Festival has not only empowered emerging talent, but it has also tremendously contributed to the tourism sector, as hundreds of people flock from Kampala – Uganda’s capital, and from other regions of the country, to attend the festival. Other people also fly in from European countries including Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. Others fly in from the United States of America, and some, from neighboring African countries. Nyege Nyege also offers artists residencies, and organizes on-going parties and events
Kampala International Theatre Festival (KITF)
(Theatre & the Performing Arts)
The Kampala International Theatre Festival (KITF) is a 5-day celebration of theatre and the performing arts through thought-provoking panel conversations, exhibitions, masterclasses, workshops, stage readings, installations and full theatre productions. The festival is organized by Tebere Arts Foundation, an organization that offers emerging, mid-career, and established artists an opportunity to ‘ develop and showcase their work and grow their skills through 5 major programs; the Emerging Artists’ Intensive Lab, the Mid-Career & Established Playwrights Residency, the Annual Production, Community Theatre, and the Kampala International Theatre Festival.’ The Kampala International Theatre Festival has been in existence for the past 11 years. The 12th edition will happen this year, running from 26th – 30th November 2025 in Kampala, Uganda.
But thats not all, the Kampala International Theatre Festival has hosted international artists performing at the five-day long festival, and as well cultural tourists, students, creators and curators, theatre enthusiasts, eager to experience the thrill of local and global performances, workshops, play readings, residences, to mention but a few.
Ndere Troupe
(Ndere Cultural Centre)
Since their establishment over forty years ago, the Ndere Troupe has graced various world stages, swooping multiple awards. The Ndere Troupe is known for high-quality indigenous performances, taking Uganda to the world. The troupe has had multiple world tours and performed for audiences from ambassadors, presidents, schools, name it and performed at conferences, weddings, anniversaries, and dinners, the list is endless. Every year, and throughout the year, people from all over the world visit the Ndere Cultural Centre, to experience their weekly dance performances.
Image (Courtesy of Ndere.com)
32° East
KLA ART FESTIVAL (Visual Artists, Creative & Performing Artists Empowerment Initiative)
32° East aims to ‘provide artists with the support, resources, and community they need to advance their craft, critically reflect our world, and imagine a new one.‘ The initiative, thrives on partnerships both local and global, creating opportunities for visual artists through artist-in-residence programs, monthly meet-ups, and more.
The body is behind KLA ARTS Festival, where artists create, and curate art, some of which has been installed around Kampala. During the festival, viewers/attendees are guided by a schedule to different venues or rendezvous, where they experience different artistic programs or installations. This not only sponsors local tourism but is also an attraction to the global audience.
Know of any other artistic organization that fosters Ugandan tourism? Leave a comment.
