Architects and Creatives to Explore Shared Pathways at Kampala Symposium

The Uganda Society of Architects (USA), in partnership with the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Creative Industries (UGAPAFOCI), is convening a groundbreaking national symposium that will bridge the worlds of architecture and the creative economy.

The symposium, set for September 11 at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, is themed ‘Driving Uganda’s Top Growth through Design, Film, Music, Fashion, Digital Media and Cultural Heritage.’

It aims to spark collaboration between professionals who rarely meet on the same platform. Organizers say the event will highlight how design and creativity can jointly fuel economic growth, strengthen Uganda’s cultural identity, and support sustainable development.

“When I travel to other countries, the first thing I notice is how their buildings reflect their identity. That identity becomes the unique selling point of any nation. But when I look around Kampala, I ask myself where is that one building we can truly identify with? Sadly, there are very few, if any,” said Hon. Racheal Magoola, the Chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Creative Industries, adding that” it’s important for people to understand that architects are creatives too, and they play a key role in the creative economy.”

By drawing connections between the built environment and the creative industries, the symposium will encourage participants to identify areas of synergy, share experiences, and craft strategies for maximizing their collective contribution to Uganda’s GDP.

“Recent reports show that the creative industries contribute about 4.1% to Uganda’s GDP. This indicates that we are not yet operating at full strength, especially since in other countries the sector contributes much more. To fully unlock this industry’s potential, we need to strengthen partnerships and build mutual understanding. That’s the purpose of this symposium,” said Architect Jacqueline Namayanja, the President of the Uganda Architects Society.

Industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators are expected to attend, with discussions focusing on practical ways to align architectural practice and creative enterprise with national development priorities.

The initiative has attracted backing from the private sector. Companies such as Plascon Uganda, Roofings Group, and Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) have come on board as sponsors, reflecting a growing recognition of the creative and architectural sectors as engines of innovation and sustainable growth.