In what is shaping up to be a significant milestone for the creative community in Northern Uganda, a group of artists from Pabbo Town Council are preparing to meet with Hon. Akol Anthony, the Member of Parliament representing Kilak North Constituency. The meeting, which is expected to take place on 30th/may/2025, comes after a series of concerns were raised by the local artists regarding the difficult circumstances under which they operate.
The artists, comprising musicians, dancers, promoters, deejays, mc’s and producers say they have been grappling with a variety of challenges ranging from limited access to recording and production facilities to lack of funding, recognition, and structured support from local government authorities. The meeting with Hon. Akol is widely viewed as a beacon of hope, with many believing it could catalyze a more supportive policy environment for the arts in the region.
Pabbo Town Council, located in Amuru District in Northern Uganda, is known for its vibrant youth population and a growing interest in the arts. Despite the scars left behind by decades of civil unrest and poverty, young people in this part of the country have turned to artistic expression as a form of healing, storytelling, and community engagement.
“We have so many talented young people in Pabbo, but many are held back by lack of resources,” said Emmaelijah wod Luo. Hon. Akol. “We don’t have proper studios. We can’t even afford to record professionally unless we travel to Gulu or Kampala. Most of us survive through community shows and volunteer works.
The planned engagement with Hon. Akol comes at a time when there is increasing recognition of the role arts and culture can play in nation-building, social cohesion, and economic empowerment. Local leaders, civil society organizations, and even some development partners have recently begun advocating for investment in the creative economy.
However, in Pabbo Town Council, support has been sporadic and often informal. Artists rely heavily on community goodwill, donations, and personal initiative. Access to performance platforms is limited, and there are few—if any—public programs aimed at nurturing young talent.
During the meeting, the artists plan to present a petition to Hon. Akol outlining their key demands. Among them are:
1. Establishment of a community arts and recording center – A facility that would serve as a studio, training hub, and rehearsal space.
2. Financial support and small grants – Seed funding to help artists produce content, host events, and travel for performances.
3. Recognition and inclusion in local development plans – They seek to have art and culture officially recognized in the Pabbo Town Council development framework.
4. Capacity building and mentorship programs – Collaborations with more established artists and trainers to build.
When contacted for comment, Hon. Akol Anthony confirmed he had received communication from the artists and expressed his willingness to meet them.
“I am proud of the youth in Kilak North,” said Hon. Akol. “Their resilience, innovation, and creativity are commendable. I believe in the power of arts to transform society, and I’m looking forward to hearing directly from them.”
He further noted that while there are financial limitations, especially in under-resourced constituencies like Amuru, he would do his best to amplify the concerns of artists at the national level. “We need to look at ways of integrating the creative sector into our budgeting and programming. These young people need to be empowered.
As the artists finalize their petition and prepare for the long-awaited meeting, there is a sense of unity and anticipation in Pabbo Town. Many see the engagement as a historic opportunity that could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the arts in the Pabbo Town council.
The artists are also calling on other stakeholders—civil society groups, local government officials, and business people—to rally behind the cause and support youth-driven creativity in Pabbo Town council.
The upcoming meeting with Hon. Akol is expected to take place at the Brothers inn Pabbo on Friday, with representatives from various art disciplines in attendance. The community and observers from surrounding towns are expected to attends.we are agerly waiting to see what comes next for the artists of Pabbo.
Stay tuned to Musicwaa for more updates……
