President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has committed Shs5 billion to support organized content creators and urged young Ugandans to join the fight against poverty through productive enterprise.
The pledge was made during the second edition of Jazz with Jajja held at the President’s Kisozi farm in Gomba District.
The event, hosted by President Museveni and the First Lady, also Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, brought together content creators, journalists, digital entrepreneurs and social media influencers.
Before the formal dialogue, the President led participants on a tour of his farm. He showcased his cattle herd, including Ekyigondo, which now numbers more than 700 cows originally owned by his late mother for ghee production. He urged the youth to preserve family legacies and build wealth across generations.
The Ranch Edition was coordinated by Natasha Museveni Karugire. The inaugural edition was held on January 4, 2026.
During the discussion, the President described digital content creation as a modern evolution of advertising.
“What you are talking about is not something new. In the past, companies spent money on television and radio advertising. Now a layer of operators has come up using social media as an easier way of communication to package and present products to consumers,” he said.
He assured the creatives of government backing if they organize formally.
“If you are organized, we shall support you. If it is a combination of sales and entertainment, that is fine. I am glad to see our young people putting up that layer of promoters. We shall support you both in improving communication technology and operationally,” he said.
He confirmed that Shs5 billion will be channelled to organized content creators through their SACCO structures.
“For the creatives, we are going to put money in your own SACCOs. We already have billions with the musicians. Now we are supporting you as well,” he said.
The President framed the support within what he called Uganda’s broader battle against poverty. He said 70 percent of Ugandans have joined the money economy and must help lift the remaining 30 percent.
“In this new kisanja, we must fight poverty because poverty is the biggest problem,” he said.
He cited the Parish Development Model, Emyooga and other funds as tools that bring financing closer to citizens.
“We have made sure the money is near the people. PDM is in the parish; in towns it is in the wards. Go and join the SACCOs. They are open to everyone above 18 years,” he said.
He reiterated that science and technology remain central to transformation.
“The primer of change in human society is science and technology,” he said. “Without it, you cannot transform society.”
In her address, Maama Janet called on young Ugandans to embrace national identity and responsibility.
“It is important that we celebrate being Ugandan. Africa has failed to develop because it always looks to other countries to develop it, to change it or to do things for it, yet there are jobs here,” she said.
She urged youth to take pride in their country and reject divisions based on tribe or religion.
“If we hold hands as Ugandans and work together, our country will be unstoppable,” she said.
On education reform, she highlighted the shift to a competency-based curriculum.
“Our young people now enjoy being in class, asking questions and doing their own projects. Teachers are becoming facilitators. Education should liberate, not keep us captive,” she said.
Among the participants was entrepreneur Jackie Arinda, who sells coffee through TikTok, X and Instagram.
“I sell my coffee on TikTok, X and Instagram. I go to the roastery, roast my coffee, take it home and market it directly on my social media platforms,” she said.
She asked what policy changes could help businesses adopt emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and drone systems.
In response, the President welcomed the innovation.
“We shall support you to continue improving the technology of communication and also give you operational support,” he said.
Delivering a vote of thanks, Pamela Ankunda said the key lesson was patriotism and strategic security.
“The biggest takeaway is the love of Uganda and the strategic security of Uganda and Africa,” she said.
The Jazz with Jajja forum forms part of ongoing engagements aimed at linking Uganda’s youth to government programmes and positioning creatives as contributors to the country’s economic transformation.
