Section
Recent arts coverage and related updates from across Uganda Online.
arts 28 June 2026
While women are the backbone of Uganda's vibrant arts and crafts sector, their contributions often go unrecognized and undervalued, hindering broader inclusive economic growth. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/why-women-dominate-uganda-s-arts-and-crafts-and-why-you-should-care-5512360
lifestyle 26 June 2026
Jacob Joshua Kajebe is showcasing his artistic journey from curator to creator in his first solo exhibition, "Echoes of Self," at Kampala's Capsule Gallery. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/from-curator-to-creator-5509056
arts 21 June 2026
The funeral for renowned British artist David Hockney, who passed away at 88, was a private affair as per his wishes. A series of larger memorial services are planned for next year. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/350315/low-key-funeral-held-for-giant-of-the-art-world-david-hockney
world 20 June 2026
Six Sudanese artists living in diaspora are presenting "Tales of Kush," a compelling exhibition in Kampala that explores themes of displacement, conflict, and cultural identity through their art. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/sudanese-artists-bring-visions-of-home-to-kampala-5501244
arts 20 June 2026
After six years navigating Uganda's creative scene as a radio host and performer, Roland Aine took center stage with his first spoken word recital, 'Hear Me Out,' marking a significant step in his artistic journey. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/between-radio-and-poetry-aine-found-his-voice-5501216
lifestyle 20 June 2026
Kampala residents are finding a unique way to unwind by combining hands-on pottery sessions with culinary delights. These weekend workshops offer a creative escape, fostering relaxation and a sense of accomplishment. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/dining-recipes/a-weekend-of-pottery-and-food-5501176
lifestyle 13 June 2026
Ugandan artist Doddridge Busingye transformed pandemic-induced isolation into a period of profound introspection, shifting his artistic focus from external social commentary to an exploration of his inner world. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/busingye-turned-lockdown-isolation-into-artistic-inspiration-5492982
arts 6 June 2026
At Xenson Art Space, four Ugandan artists delved into complex themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of globalization through a month-long exhibition and workshop series. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/theatre-cinema/artists-explore-identity-in-a-new-world-5484782
environment 3 June 2026
An upcoming photography competition is set to harness the power of visual storytelling to highlight environmental challenges and promote conservation efforts across the African continent. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/travel/regional-photography-competition-to-promote-environmental-conservation-5484200
culture 30 May 2026
The Larakaraka, a traditional Acholi courtship dance from northern Uganda, continues to be a vibrant and significant ritual for young people seeking life partners, blending music, attire, and skilled performance. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/larakaraka-where-music-meets-romance-in-acholi-culture-5479064
photography 26 May 2026
Jacob Mukalazi, a Ugandan photographer based in Germany, is carving out a unique artistic identity that transcends the simple label of 'migrant'. His work explores themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience through a distinctly Ugandan lens. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/from-wakiso-to-germany-5473628
arts 26 May 2026
Playwright Henry Opolot Opio's new one-man play, 'In This City,' uses the story of a struggling trader to highlight infrastructural decay and societal neglect in urban environments. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/opolot-s-in-this-city-highlights-infrastructure-failures-5473562
arts 24 May 2026
Filmmakers, photographers, and diplomats are leveraging documentaries and digital content, moving beyond traditional tourism imagery to showcase Uganda's people, culture, and everyday life to a global audience, particularly in China. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-ugandan-creatives-are-rebranding-the-country-through-storytelling-5471362
news 19 May 2026
Hadijah Namale, a celebrated music icon of Uganda in the 1970s, now faces severe poverty, illness, and neglect. The once vibrant performer, known for her multilingual prowess and hit songs, is struggling to survive in rural Mpigi, reliant on charity. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/faded-rhythms-the-tragic-silence-of-hadijah-namale-uganda-s-1970s-music-pioneer-5465240
lifestyle 17 May 2026
Margaret Wampamba, a former civil servant, has embarked on a new journey as a storyteller, finding joy in nurturing young imaginations and giving back to the community. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/margaret-wampamba-from-civil-service-to-storytelling-5462588
arts 8 May 2026
The Omega Healing Centre production team presents 'Peace Over Trouble,' a faith-based musical drama at the National Theatre that explores the eternal struggle between good and evil, peace and conflict, and faith versus human frailty. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/life/faith-takes-centre-stage-in-peace-over-trouble-production-at-national-theatre-5452412
arts 1 May 2026
Ugandan author Joshua Lubwama joined nine other writers from across Africa at the 19th Caine Prize Writers’ Workshop in Zanzibar, where they honed their craft under expert guidance. The event honored Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah and culminated in public readings, with works set for the 2026 anthology. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/author-joshua-lubwama-represents-uganda-at-caine-prize-writers-workshop-2026-5443752
lifestyle 1 May 2026
Afreximbank has released 'Instances of Exceptional Moments of Hunger,' an anthology featuring 19 promising writers from Africa and the Caribbean, born from its CANEX Creative Writing Workshop. The collection highlights fresh voices exploring themes of identity, resilience, and transformation, with plans for global expansion into film and TV. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/afreximbank-spotlights-africa-s-rising-literary-stars-in-bold-new-anthology-5443624
Entertainment News 24 April 2026
Tayo Shonubi overcame industry rejections in the US by self-producing films and writing her way into opportunities upon returning to Uganda, culminating in a Best Actress award for her theatre role. Her journey spans acting, writing, directing, and teaching, driven by passion despite funding hurdles. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/theatre-cinema/when-the-film-industry-said-no-to-tayo-shonubi-she-wrote-her-own-yes--5435668
arts 17 April 2026
The Pan-African Network for Artistic Freedom Summit in Addis Ababa shifted the focus of artistic freedom from mere censorship to economic control and digital ownership. African creatives boast talent and global reach but need better command over platforms and finances. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-2026-artists-summit-reframed-works-freedom-5427198
arts 17 April 2026
Joana Nambalirwa and Tracy Anna Aguti deliver a powerful dance piece, 'Echoes of Her Silence,' that uses movement to address domestic violence and childhood trauma in Kampala's Kamwokya community. Drawing from real testimonies, the performance offers a path to healing without words, letting bodies speak the unspoken pain. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/how-joana-nambalirwa-uses-dance-to-heal-kamwokya-s-hidden-wounds-5427676
arts 11 April 2026
Vaal Mbabazi, known as Lady Nyina, has made the human body her canvas, blending intricate line work with intuition to create temporary yet impactful art. Her journey from childhood sketches to public body painting highlights themes of self-expression, confidence, and emotional connection. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/life/on-skin-and-self-why-lady-nyina-chose-the-human-body-as-her-canvas-5419622
Entertainment News 10 April 2026
Four writers from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and Egypt showcased innovative TV series at the Series Mania Forum in Lille, France, after six months of development in the AuthenticA Series Lab. This initiative by the Realness Institute is elevating African storytelling on the global stage. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/from-nairobi-to-netflix-dreams-african-writers-take-centre-stage-in-global-tv-pitch-arena-5419532
Technology 3 April 2026
Generative AI is transforming photography by boosting editing efficiency and creativity, but it sparks debates over deepfakes, child exploitation, and eroding trust in authentic images. Ugandan experts highlight both opportunities and urgent needs for better IP protections and public awareness. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/insight/photography-how-ai-keeps-splitting-opinion-5412680
law 30 March 2026
Uganda's Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Amendment Bill, passed in March 2026, distinguishes copyright for original creators from neighbouring rights that protect performers, recording producers, and broadcasters. The law aims to ensure fair compensation across the creative value chain through better enforcement and registration requirements. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/what-are-neighbouring-rights-under-the-copyright-and-neighbouring-rights-bill--5407418
Entertainment News 27 March 2026
Renowned Ugandan actress, director, and producer Esteri Tebandeke has died from kidney complications, with news breaking on social media on March 24. She leaves a powerful legacy of bold artistry, self-made stories, and advocacy against industry biases. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/life/esteri-tebandeke-first-one-of-her-name-bows-out-5405832
arts 13 March 2026
For over 60 years, Ugandan artist and educator Theresa Musoke has captured the nation's landscapes, wildlife, and daily scenes through her vibrant paintings and printmaking. Her career, blending teaching at Makerere University with international training, embodies a deep passion for nature and lifelong learning. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/life/a-life-in-colour-theresa-musoke-s-six-decades-of-art-and-teaching-5388336