By Our Reporters.
As many other Artists bodies or associations are embroiled in fights over who should get the stimulus monies especially Covid-19 recovery funds National Union of Creative, Performing Artists and Allied Workers (NUCPAAW) has set a precedent.
NUCPAAW) popularly known as the Artists Union has just broken the ice becoming the first creative body to acquire land for its members for setting up a creative artists village that will be their permanent home.
The project is being funded from money donated by Uganda government to reorganize, revamp its national structures and empower union leaders in the field of training, recruitment and development. Feedback from members and well – wishers so far extend gratitude to the leadership of NUCPAAW on putting government donation to proper use.
On the 15th December 2021 all roads led to Luwero district as NUCPAAW members traveled from National Theatre Kampala, using transport at 9.30am organised by the Union.
Top on the special guest list was Workers Members of Parliament Hon Charles Bakkabulindi the “Bridge”, who is also NUCPAAW Patron and .Hon Margaret Rwabushaija Namubiru “Musomesa”. Other guests included Luwero district leaders and officials from the Uganda National Cultural Centre UNCC Mr.Ssebagala Andrew who represented the Chairman board.
Workers Member of Parliament Hon Charles Bakkabulindi applauded (NUCPAAW) National Executive Committee for exemplary work by investing in permanent home of the union.
He said the development of the artists’ village is a move in the right direction, adding that once the home is complete it would help in enhancing training, recruitment and mobilizing of members.
“The Artists Union is the only institution among all that received recovery money from government that has something worth showing as a real investment.” he said.
Hon Bakkabulindi said the artists industry is among the sectors that were adversely affected by Covid-19 pandemic with several jobs lost and members displaced and need assistance..
Workers Member of Parliament Hon Margaret Rwabushaija Namubiru said NUCPAAW has set a good precedent to be emulated by other trade unions in the country.
She said Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) to which she belongs, shares afflictions with the artists who suffered at the height of Covid-19 pandemic but promised to stand with them as they develop their permanent home..
“UNATU shares afflictions with the artists who suffered at the height of Covid-19 pandemic. We shall stand with you as you develop artists’ permanent home,” she said
National Union of Creative, performing artists and Allied workers (NUCPAAW) General Secretary Ms Anita Seruwagi Nannozi said they are to build a Theatre, camping apartments, creative centres and offices on 13 acres.
She said :” We are completing architectural work and designs on auditoriums with state of the art recording studios and modern editing suits all to be availed to the members in a ”One Stop Shop.”.
Ms Seruwagi noted that the new developments are coming at a time when the entertainment industry has been adversely affected by Covid-19 lockdown which left several artists jobless.
She said:” We appreciate the assistance from Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) Chairman Gen Salim Saleh, NUCPAAW Patron Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi and Hon Margaret Rwabushaija Namubiru.”
NUCPAAW thanked Gen Salim Saleh who helped the union to acquire the funds through a five – year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement signed by Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and the union. NUCPAAW is using the funds to build a permanent home. The agreement that is due for renewal after two years, aims at reorganizing the artists’ industry that was devastated following Covid-19 pandemic.
The funds for the union were channeled through the Gender, Labour and Social Development (GLSD) Ministry for onward transfer to the beneficiary through the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC).
Ms Anita Seruwagi told the Workers Eye that a portion earmarked for reorganizing and revamping the artists’ industry has been included in the annual national budget.
She said :” We extend special thanks to Gen Salim Salem whose efforts have yielded fruits for the union and artists in the country.”
Ms Anita said Gen Saleh promised to continue assisting artists in the country to ensure they earn from their creativity.
She also extended appreciation to the GLSD department of culture and UNCC for their efforts in ensuring the artists received government assistance.
There was a session of cutting the cake by the guest of honor as a sign of victory of acquiring land which was followed by planting of about 600 Trees. Renown teacher cum singer also union head of Education Ms Joanita Kawalya of Afrigo band led the dance.
NUCPAAW is now the new landlord in Luwero district and Artists who are members can now celebrate the achievement■
