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Ugandan artists Gloria Awori and Shakul Maganda have emerged winners of the Africa Creatives Challenge, designed to support artists in early stages of business in Uganda to grow.

Awori who has established a jewelry school that offers in-person training in jewelry making and design, and Maganda whose work transforms waste materials into new and useful artistic productions won $6000 (approximately 23.7 million) each, to expand their business.

The winners were picked out of a group of 10 finalists at a pitching and award ceremony held on Saturday evening at MoTIV in Kampala.

According to Marie Fordjoe Lead, MoTIV West Africa, all participants exhibited passion, but only two emerged winners.

Awori who is the Founder of Gloria Awori Craft Studio says the money received will be invested to further grow the art community and enhance local craftsmanship, skilling and domestic jewelry production.

On his part Maganda who is the team lead of Street Flash Mop that has three other creatives; a Ugandan, Congolese and Congolese-Nigerian says they are to focus on empowering both the youth and adults in Jinja, Gulu, Mbarara, and Kampala to effectively manage and repurpose waste materials to mitigate environmental degradation.

Rachel Magoola who is the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Forum for Creative Arts and one of the Judges, said the challenge provided a vital platform for creatives to showcase unique talents and original concepts.

“The winners demonstrated ideas that were highly adaptable, innovative and sustainable. Their concepts were not only unique and imaginative but also practical and capable of being implemented effectively.”

She added that the ideas aligned with the broader goals of the creative economy as per Uganda’s agenda hence contributing to its expansion and dynamism. Available data shows Uganda’s creative industry is worth $1.6bn.

“This initiative not only celebrates the diverse nature of our creative disciplines but also provides a platform that empowers creatives to take advantage of the numerous opportunities within the sector,” said Magoola.

“By providing a stage for innovation and creativity, the challenge fosters a vibrant cultural landscape that drives economic growth and social transformation,” she says.

In addition to the financial support, the winners will gain access to various capacity-building sessions at MoTIV, get mentorship, networking opportunities, and venture development tools to evolve into sustainable and profitable businesses.