Introduction
This report, titled An Assessment of Artistic Freedom:Uganda, offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of artistic freedom inUganda. It provides valuable insights into the status of freedom of artistic expression and offers practical recommendations to support artists, audiences, and advocates in safeguarding their rights to artistic expression. The report aims to guide the government and other stakeholders in effectively promoting and protecting these rights, benefiting both the creative community and society as a whole.
Summary
The study utilised a survey design, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The quantitative data was obtained through a structured questionnaire completed by 180 respondents, while the qualitative data encompassed respondents’ suggestions, feelings, recommendations, and reactions.
The research focused on six main areas: knowledge of freedom of artistic expression, the relationship between artists and the law, instances of artistic freedom violations, support for the execution of artistic freedoms, legally permissible restrictions on artistic expression, and the collection of royalties.In addition to the survey, the study employed a mixed research methodology, which included a desk review, literature review, and key informant interviews with stakeholders in Uganda’s creative arts industry. Various methods were utilised, such as questionnaires, interviews, and library studies.
The report surveyed approximately 300 respondents, highlighting varying levels of awareness regarding the protection of artistic freedom. While 49% of the participants acknowledged the existence of artistic freedom protection under Chapter Four of the 1995 Uganda Constitution, only 30% had a general understanding of the laws governing the creative arts. Surprisingly, 60% of respondents were unaware of any such laws, leaving a mere 4% knowledgeable about the legal aspects specifically related to performing arts and artistic freedom.
Notably, the study also highlighted the diminishing spaces for LGBTQ+ artists, underscoring the challenges faced by marginalised groups within the artistic community. There was also a notable shift in leadership roles, with women taking the lead in various artistic organisations. Female figures such as the President General of Pearlwood, the President and General Secretary of the Actors Guild, and the President and Secretary General of the Uganda Musicians Association were cited as examples.
Based on the findings, the report offered recommendations to address the identified issues such as the implementation of effective measures that safeguard artists from precarious working conditions and the establishment of a National Art Council, acting as a governing body.
The report was formulated between August and November 2022 through desk research, statistical data and qualitative interviews with creatives and chairpersons representing various art forms as well as policy makers who provided personal stories and insights. A research validation meeting took place in January 2023 to present the report to key stakeholders for verification and comments, which were then incorporated into the final report.
The PANAF project is being implemented with the support of the Swedish Arts Council. This research was commissioned by Selam through its Pan African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF) project and implemented by its partner in Uganda, Pearlwood.
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