Northern Uganda creatives celebrate first umbrella body anniversary with big concert

GULU - Northern Uganda artistes have organised a concert to celebrate the first anniversary of their umbrella body, the WALK Creative Arts Foundation.

WALK is an acronym for West Nile, Acholi, Lango and Karamoja.

The foundation was formed early this year as a platform for advocacy and support for creatives, bringing together musicians, DJs, MCs, fashion designers, music and events promoters, content creators, journalists, videographers, photographers, dancers, filmmakers, among others.

The celebrations are slated for January 1, 2026, at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City.

Several activities have been lined up, including performances by dozens of musicians from across the country, the launch of the WALK Creative Arts Foundation SACCO, and financial literacy sessions for creatives, according to the Foundation’s chairperson, Solomon Aboda.

“Uganda Registration Services Bureau and the Uganda Performing Right Society are among the entities that will engage creatives on business registration and copyright law,” Aboda revealed.

He added that the event, which will be free of charge and start at midday, will feature performances by artistes such as Coco Finger, Butcher Man, Tempra Omona, BSG Lagongo, Pato Loverboy, Lucky D, Ragga Python, Sherry Princess, Lil Roy, Professor Maros, and Mambo, among others.

The same event will also see awards presented to President Yoweri Museveni and Gen. Salim Saleh for their support to creatives, as well as to legendary Northern Uganda artistes who sang for peace during difficult times.

“We also intend to raise funds from politicians across the WALK region to support creatives,” Aboda added.

Reflecting on the past year, Aboda described 2025 as a mix of wins and losses for the foundation.

He cited internal conflicts among members, the registration of thousands of creatives, distribution of maize seed and coffee seedlings to members, establishment of an office along Airfield Road in Bardege–Layibi Division, and the nurturing of talent through live band performances held every Tuesday night at their offices.

“All these achievements are worth celebrating,” Aboda told the media on December 29, 2025, morning at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu city.

Changing landscape of the industry

Geoffrey Opiyo, a Gulu-based artiste popularly known by his stage name Opiyo Twongweno, is among the legendary musicians recognised for singing for peace during the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency.

According to him, the music industry has changed significantly over time and veterans are still adapting to the new realities.

Solomon Aboda, the Foundation's Chairperson (C) with other artistes, hold a press conference at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City. (Credit: Jesse Johnson James)

“During our time, we were focused on restoring peace in Northern Uganda rather than making money. Today, one has to be innovative to earn a living,” Twongweno said.

He added that to stay afloat, he performs Lakubuku, a local genre, at weddings and other celebrations.

Role of music for peace

Meanwhile, Pamela Peace, another Gulu-based artiste, revealed that peace songs inspired her return from the bush, as she was formerly an LRA combatant.

“I did not just return home; I also started singing,” she said with a smile.

Looking ahead, the WALK Creative Arts Foundation plans to open a state-of-the-art recording studio in Gulu City in 2026, where registered members will access services free of charge.

The foundation also aims to grow its savings and register more members, according to its leadership.

To register with the foundation, one is required to pay shs10,000 for membership, shs20,000 for the SACCO, shs50,000 per share (with a minimum of two shares), and maintain some savings in their account.

Sh1b from the government

Earlier this month, the Foundation received shillings one billion from the gender ministry as the first installment of the shillings 49 billion pledged by the Government following the successful registration of the association.

The funds were deposited directly into the foundation’s account through the Bank of Uganda.

Meanwhile, Simon Oyoo Jigiling, the Secretary of WALK Creatives, described the receipt of the funds as a major milestone in their vision of achieving socio-economic transformation through economic empowerment.

He said they aim to create employment for over 1,000 young and talented people across northern Uganda through various entrepreneurship ventures, including SACCOs, commercial agriculture, and street businesses.