Beyond the presidential recognition, WALK Foundation will also honour legendary artists whose music promoted peace during the war years, many of whom are now struggling and largely forgotten by society.
By Tonny Ojok
Gulu City- The Northern Uganda Creative Art Association, operating under the WALK Foundation, is set to honour President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni with a Peace Award in recognition of what they describe as his role in restoring peace, stability, and economic empowerment in Northern Uganda. The award will be presented during the official launch of the WALK Creative and Art SACCO on January 1, 2026, in Gulu City.
The association, which brings together performing artists and creatives from the Acholi, Lango, West Nile, and Karamoja sub-regions, says the award also acknowledges the government’s recognition of the creative industry and the financial support extended to artists through various empowerment initiatives.
Speaking during a media briefing at Kaunda Grounds, the venue for the ceremony, the Chairperson of WALK, Aboda Solomon, said the organisation felt it necessary to appreciate the President’s contribution to peacebuilding after more than two decades of conflict, fueled by the Holy Spirit Movement of Alice Lakwena and the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency.
“This award is to recognize and appreciate the President for the peace and stability of the region and the country, and also for his recognition of the youths and direct support to our creative industry,” Aboda said.
Honouring Forgotten Voices of Peace
Beyond the presidential recognition, WALK Foundation will also honour legendary artists whose music promoted peace during the war years, many of whom are now struggling and largely forgotten by society.
“We shall award the legendary artists that fought for peace through songs but seem to have been forgotten,” Aboda explained. “We shall also support them with small financial facilitation and recognize upcoming artists whose impact is greatly seen in the community.”
For many Northern Ugandans, these songs were more than entertainment; they were a lifeline of hope.
Pamella Peace Anena, the female representative for Acholi under the WALK Creative Art Foundation, shared an emotional testimony of listening to peace messages while still “in the bush.”
“When I was in the bush, I used to listen to these peace songs, and that alone made me think of returning home,” she said. “That is how I joined music — to encourage others still in the bush to come back. This award means a lot to those who sang for peace.”
Veteran artist Opiyo Geoffrey Twongweno recalled the difficulty of performing during the height of insurgency, when communities were confined to IDP camps.
“It was very hard to organize shows as security feared such gatherings could attract rebels,” he said. “Most of our songs only played on radio without financial benefit. Our music was not commercial — it was purely crying for peace.”
Another veteran, Labongo Denis (BSG Labongo), thanked WALK for remembering the pioneers of peace music.
“A lot has happened, but we are grateful that WALK and the President’s support are helping revive our lives and making us feel valued in the society we once prayed and cried for during the insurgency,” he said.
Launch of a UGX 1 Billion SACCO
Alongside the awards, WALK Creative and Art Foundation will officially launch its Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO), supported with Sh1 billion in seed capital.
Aboda cautioned artists against assuming the money is free handouts.
“This money is not for eating,” he stressed. “To benefit you must be a registered member, have bought shares, and be actively saving. Some groups calling themselves ‘Ghetto Youth’ are demanding their ‘share,’ but this is not how it works.”
The SACCO aims to build financial literacy among creatives, encourage a savings culture, and improve the economic well-being of artists, many of whom struggle with unstable income and lack financial management support.
High-Level Guests Expected
The ceremony will run under the theme “Building Capacity of the Creative and Art Sector Through Financial Literacy and Inclusion.”
It is expected to draw leaders from government, civil society, cultural institutions, religious organisations, and the entertainment industry across Northern and Central Uganda. Over 200 artists are expected to perform.
The event is also expected to be graced by Gen. Salim Saleh, the National Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, as the chief guest. WALK Foundation says this marks the first anniversary of the organization’s existence.
A Region Healing Through Creativity
Northern Uganda continues to rebuild after decades of war that displaced millions and shattered social and economic systems. For many artists, music has been a tool for healing, advocacy, and reconciliation.
WALK Foundation believes that strengthening the creative sector through organisation and financial empowerment can help sustain peace and inspire a new generation of artists, not only as entertainers but also as social change agents.
As the region gathers to celebrate its artists and honour the president, the event will also reopen conversations about peace, memory, accountability, and the long journey of recovery that Northern Uganda continues to walk.
