Gender ministry burdened by functionalities, says Peace Mutuuzo

 

 

Mutuuzo conveyed these sentiments during the unveiling of the UNESCO-Aschberg programme and the Open Digital Roadmap reports by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at Grand Imperial Hotel, Kampala on January 25, 2024.

 

 

Referring to the Aschberg report, which highlighted the dispersion of mandates related to the culture and creative sector, Mutuuzo suggested that these responsibilities should be consolidated under a single ministry, ideally the MGLSD. However, she pointed out that the ministry is already grappling with an excessive workload, and the allocated budget is insufficient.

 

 

"Some functionalities are dispersed across other ministries, and we have requested them to transfer them to our ministry. We have communicated with these ministries, but they are awaiting the President's approval. Bringing these responsibilities under our purview poses a challenge, as we are already stretched thin with our existing workload, coupled with a limited budget," she remarked.

 

 

Mutuuzo specifically identified the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology and National Guidance, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities as having mandates that should fall under the jurisdiction of the MGLSD.

 

 

Specifically addressing the tourism ministry, Mutuuzo suggested that the 'antiquities' aspect, inherently a cultural functionality, should be overseen by the culture sector. However, it has consistently fallen under the purview of the tourism sector, a perplexing situation for many culture enthusiasts.

 

 

In contemplating how to manage these diverse functionalities and mandates, Mutuuzo endorsed the idea of establishing a distinct ministry dedicated to addressing all matters within the culture and creative sector.

 

She emphasised the importance of culture and creative professionals compiling compelling evidence to demonstrate the significance of having a separate ministry. This evidence should highlight the potential revenue the Government is currently missing, the potential financial gains, and propose a governance framework for the envisioned ministry.

 

 

Delving deeper into the insights provided by the two reports underscoring the imperative for the culture and creative sector to embrace the digital era, she encouraged artistes to wholeheartedly embrace the digitalisation.

 

Emphasising it as an innovative marketing tool, she envisioned its potential to propel careers to unprecedented heights.

 

 

"Digitalisation is an enduring reality. Let's motivate our artistes to leverage the digital space for promoting their work and showcasing our culture. Waiting for outsiders to exploit unexplored potential is not the path we should take," Mutuuzo emphasised.

 

 

However, she issued a cautionary note against potential misuse of the digital space, particularly concerning the preservation of African culture. Acknowledging its significant utility, she warned that without exercising prudence, the digital space might pose a threat to the country's moral values.