Transforming Talent into Enterprise: UWE and Umukuuka Launch Mbale Creative Hub

In a landmark development for Uganda’s creative economy, a powerful partnership between the University of the West of England (UWE) and Mbale Creatives, under the Umukuuka Creatives Association, has culminated in the successful launch of the first-ever UWE-Uganda Creative Hub in Mbale. The initiative, held from July 8 to 16, 2025, brought together local creatives, international students, and community leaders in a transformative journey aimed at turning talent into thriving enterprises.

The week-long business development program marked the first implementation of a broader Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Institution of Umukuuka of Bugisu and UWE, following a historic visit by His Highness the Umukuuka to the United Kingdom in October 2023. During his visit, the Umukuuka met with UWE’s Vice Chancellor to advocate for cross-border partnerships that would promote education, culture, and economic empowerment in Bugisu.

“This initiative is a testimony to our shared vision for empowering young creatives to become economic actors,” said Hon. Priscilla Mungoma, Head of the Commission for Museum Development, Creative Industries and Art under the Institution of Umukuuka. “We are witnessing the transformation of talent into tangible livelihoods, rooted in Bugisu’s rich cultural identity.”

Bridging Continents: A Global Vision, Locally Delivered

The Mbale Creative Hub is the first on-the-ground realization of two flagship partnership projects envisioned under the MoU: New Dawn International, led by Nathan Namatati, and the Mbale Creative Collective. The just-concluded program was designed to build sustainable creative enterprises by equipping 15 to 27 local artists, artisans, and innovators with essential business and branding skills.

Drawing inspiration from a similar initiative in The Gambia, which was facilitated by UWE’s Global Partnerships Division earlier in the year, the Mbale program was tailored to local needs. It emphasized participatory learning, peer mentorship, low-cost innovation, and culturally grounded enterprise development. The Gambia initiative, which involved UWE staff like Ms. Mian Ng, Head of Global Partnerships, and Ms. Pauline Bailey of the Diageo Foundation, helped shape the Mbale curriculum and structure.

“At UWE Bristol, we believe in the power of creativity to drive change and unite communities,” said Ms. Mian Ng.

“Supporting community-led initiatives like the Mbale Creatives Collective and working alongside the Institution of Umukuuka reaffirms our deep commitment to inclusive learning, cultural exchange, and empowering creative enterprise at the heart of communities.”

Two students from the Gambia program joined the Mbale hub, with four others collaborating with New Dawn International, showcasing UWE’s commitment to experiential, global learning and community impact.

From Passion to Profession: Program Highlights

Over seven days, the program immersed participants in workshops focused on:

Business fundamentals and model development

Product and service quality enhancement

Branding, digital marketing, and online presence

Practical skills including photography lighting, Canva design, and storytelling

One of the standout sessions was the “Pitch Your Passion” event, where each creative presented a simplified, one-page business plan and a branding concept to a panel of local and international stakeholders.

“This program is the beginning of something bigger,” said Jeff Situma, Co-founder of the Mbale Creatives Market and Director of SJ Creative Furniture. “We’re equipping creatives with not just tools—but also belief in their potential to thrive in local and global markets.”

Each creative left with a clear business plan, a functioning digital portfolio, and a personal roadmap. The program ended with the creation of mentorship pairings and a three-month plan for monitoring growth, product launches, and visibility.

Honoring Visionary Leadership

This initiative is not only an academic-community partnership but also a fulfillment of His Highness the Umukuuka’s vision for Bugisu’s youth and cultural sector. By fostering creative entrepreneurship, the program amplifies the region’s cultural identity while unlocking economic opportunities for a new generation.

“This is not just a program—it is a shift in how we value creativity as a force for development,” said Hon. Priscilla Mungoma. “Bugisu’s creatives are stepping forward as entrepreneurs, innovators, and cultural ambassadors.”

The Road Ahead

With plans already underway to establish four additional creative hubs across Bugisu, the Mbale Creative Hub sets a precedent for locally-rooted, globally-informed innovation. It reflects the potential of strategic international collaboration in creating inclusive, resilient economies—grounded in culture and driven by youth.

Key Outcomes of the Mbale Creative Hub Program:

✔️ All participants created one-page individualized business plans

✔️ Quality of products/services enhanced through hands-on, peer-led training

✔️ All creatives launched or improved digital portfolios and social media presence

✔️ Mentorship network formed, with structured follow-up via WhatsApp and quarterly check-ins

Organizing Partners:

Institution of Umukuuka of Bugisu – Commission for Museum Development,

Creative Industries & Art University of the West of England (UWE) – Global Partnerships Division

Mbale Creatives Market – Under the Umukuuka Creatives Association

As this model evolves and expands, the Mbale initiative stands not only as a success story for Uganda but as a beacon for culturally aligned, community-driven global development.