New UNCC auditorium to be built by 2031, Balaam promises

The project of building a new auditorium for the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) will be completed by 2031.

The development was announced by the new State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, during the commemoration of the World Culture Day at the National Theatre on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

He said the ministry has a plan of erecting another building on the 3.5-acre piece of land, where the National Theatre is and the plan will include office space for the Uganda National Culture Centre (UNCC), showrooms, a theatre and a general arena, where music shows will be organised from.

"The plan to build this auditorium is there. The National Theatre cannot accommodate all the activities of the art and culture sector because it is small. It’s the reason why the ministry is planning to put up another building in this area possibly by 2031," Balaam said.

He said the ministry is now looking for development partners that will work with them on the project.

The State for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo, noted that the project would have been completed if artistes had not opposed it in the beginning.

"This proposal has been there for many years, but artistes were fighting it because they thought they were going to lose the National Theatre. Therefore, I ask members of the arts and culture industry not to sabotage this project,” she added.