Beyond talent promotion, WALK has already ventured into agro-economy initiatives.
By Tonny Ojok
Gulu City – The WALK (West Nile, Acholi, Lango and Karamoja) Creative and Art Foundation, an umbrella body that brings together artists and creatives from Northern Uganda, has unveiled an ambitious plan to integrate agriculture and value addition into the creative industry as a pathway to sustainable economic growth.
The foundation, which represents creatives from the Acholi, Lango, West Nile, and Karamoja sub-regions, states that agriculture will serve as a key pillar in its 10-year development strategy, aimed at improving livelihoods within the creative sector.
Speaking to journalists at the WALK offices in Gulu City, the Foundation’s Chairperson, Aboda Solomon, said the vision is already taking shape following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
“It’s been a roller coaster since we initiated this movement, and we have been working closely with the Operation Wealth Creation, but today we are seeing our dreams begin to materialise,” Aboda said, noting that the MoU recognises the role of the creative industry in national development.
Sh 1 Billion Seed Capital for Creatives SACCO
As part of government support, WALK Creative and Art Foundation has received sh1 billion as seed capital to operationalise its Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO). The funds were provided through government support structures, including Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) under the Office of the National Chief Coordinator, Gen. Salim Saleh.
Aboda clarified that the money is not for handouts but a revolving fund accessible only to fully registered and subscribed members of the association.
“This money is meant to empower our members economically. It is a revolving fund for those who have bought shares, saved consistently, and are ready to grow their enterprises,” he explained.
Linking Art, Agriculture, and Value Addition
Beyond talent promotion, WALK has already ventured into agro-economy initiatives. According to Aboda, the foundation received 10 tonnes of maize seed from Operation Wealth Creation, which has been distributed to members across the region.
“For members whose maize is ready, we already have a market. This is how we intend to build a strong economic base for creatives,” he said.
The foundation is also partnering with the National Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (NaCORI) to promote coffee and cocoa farming, particularly as part of its broader value addition agenda.
Under its 10-year proposal, WALK plans to mobilise sh 49 billion, with sh 20 billion earmarked for SACCO development and sh 29 billion for other development sectors, including agriculture.
Aboda thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for recognising the creative industry in Northern Uganda, as well as Gen. Salim Saleh, the foundation’s patron, Silvia Owori, and the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi.
“The sh1 billion we have received represents about 2.4 percent of our total 10-year proposal. It is a strong signal of confidence and progress,” he said. “We intend to dive deep into agriculture and value additions as part of our 10-year proposals”.
Call for Unity Among Creatives
The foundation’s treasurer, Atine Maros, also known as Professor Maros, who doubles as chairperson of WALK Lango Sub-region, urged creatives to put aside regional misconceptions and embrace unity.
“Most people used to think WALK is only the Acholi sub-region. That is not true,” Maros said. “Our board represents all four sub-regions, and we operate on democratic principles.”
He emphasized that access to the SACCO funds depends on membership compliance, not regional affiliation.
“This is not free government money. It is a revolving fund meant to grow businesses for committed members,” he added.
Artists Welcome the Initiative
Several veteran musicians and artists from Northern Uganda welcomed the initiative, describing WALK as the strongest unifying platform the region’s creative industry has seen in decades.
Legendary musician Opiyo Geoffrey Twongweno said previous attempts to form a united creative body had failed since he joined the music industry in 2005.
Twongweno said what WALK has achieved gives us hope and unity.
Another renowned Acholi musician, Tempra Omona, urged creatives to abandon internal conflicts and focus on collective development.
Odoki Godfrey Ocitti, Nwoya District Commercial Officer and Technical Chairperson of WALK Creative and Art Foundation, advised the leadership to maintain regular engagement with members.
“Constant updates on progress and challenges are essential to build trust, unity, and ownership among members,” he said.
WALK Creative and Art Foundation currently boasts over 5,000 members, drawn from fields such as music, DJing, performance arts, fashion, journalism, radio presentation, and music promotion across Northern Uganda.
With agriculture now firmly embedded in its strategy, the foundation hopes to redefine the creative economy as both a cultural and economic force in the region.
