Govt considers ideological training for artistes at Kyankwanzi

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The National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC) is considering hosting artistes at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi to strengthen their ideological grounding.

The proposal was revealed by the Commissioner of the National Patriotism Corps (NPC), Hellen Seku, while hosting local artiste Patrick Mulwana, popularly known as Alien Skin, on the Patriotism Conversations podcast on Monday, December 22, 2025.

Commissioner of the National Patriotism Corps (NPC), Hellen Seku, speaks during Patriotism Conversations podcast on Monday, December 22, 2025. (Credit: NSPC)

Seku said it is important to nurture not only artistes’ creative talents but also their intellectual and moral perspectives. She explained that the proposed programme at Kyankwanzi would cover areas such as financial literacy, patriotism and self-empowerment, including the avoidance of substance abuse.

Artistes, she added, would also be encouraged to diversify their music to appeal to regional and international audiences as a way of promoting Uganda’s cultural heritage globally.

Seku urged artistes to demonstrate patriotism by embracing values such as patience, discipline and responsible financial management.

“It is advisable to adopt a mindset that prioritises using earnings wisely, spending less than one saves, and investing in ventures such as poultry farming and goat keeping. By doing so, and maintaining a strong work ethic, artistes can secure a more stable and dignified future,” she said.

During the discussion, Alien Skin highlighted challenges faced by artistes, particularly those starting out in the industry. He noted that the prevailing culture in the music sector often requires artistes to produce high-quality music videos to market their songs, a cost many cannot afford, leading to the undervaluation of their work.

Seku said talent development is among the gains the NRM government is keen on protecting, noting that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s tenure has seen a significant emergence of talent, particularly in the arts.

Commissioner of the National Patriotism Corps (NPC), Hellen Seku, while hosting local artiste Patrick Mulwana, popularly known as Alien Skin, on the Patriotism Conversations podcast on Monday, December 22, 2025. (Credit: NSPC)

She also revealed that the government, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, invested sh5b to support creatives, including musicians and comedians. The funds were received by the Uganda National Musicians Federation.

According to Seku, the initiative is aimed at strengthening talent development and enabling artistes to create wealth from their work.

She further emphasised the importance of enacting the pending copyright law, saying it is crucial for protecting artistes’ rights. The law, she explained, will outline how artistes benefit from their work and the duration of those benefits.

Currently, she noted, some individuals profit from others’ creative works without consequence. Once implemented, the copyright legislation would allow authorities to apprehend violators and protect artistes’ intellectual property.