Joel Isabirye Explains Why Uganda’s Creative Sector Still Struggles

Ugandan media consultant Joel Isabirye has explained why the government has historically given little attention to the country’s creative sector.

While appearing on NBS After 5, Isabirye said Uganda focused on other priorities during its early development years.

Uganda is a developing economy. Early government priorities focused on infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial growth.

Because of that focus, sectors such as sports and the creative arts received limited attention, which slowed investment and policy support.

To illustrate how creative work can generate income, Isabirye pointed to global platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where creators earn money when their content attracts audiences.

The principle is simple: if your work creates income, you deserve to be paid.

He also used NBS Television as an example while discussing the importance of protecting intellectual property.

Isabirye recalled a case where Al Jazeera aired footage of a boat accident that NBS TV originally filmed, prompting the station to issue a notice to protect its content.

According to him, the situation reflects the same challenge many artists face.

When media houses, platforms, or businesses use creative work to generate revenue, the creator should receive payment.

Isabirye added that copyright protection should extend across the entire creative sector, including television, digital content, and other creative productions.