The Parliamentary Forum for Creative Arts has urged the Government to collaborate with foreign embassies to streamline the visa acquisition process for creative artistes, intending to travel abroad for international performances and music shows.

The appeal was made by the Chairperson of the Forum, Rachel Magoola, during the launch of the Draft Uganda National Cultural Policy Gap Analysis and Capacity Building Project. 

Magoola, who also serves as the Woman Member of Parliament for Bugweri district, highlighted the challenges faced by talented artists in securing visas for international shows emphasizing that the restrictions placed on visa clearances often hinder their ability to travel for opportunities, even after securing performance contracts.

In response, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek, defended the strict visa guidelines, pointing out that some individuals issued with visas have failed to return after their international engagements.

By Francis Lubega

28 February 2025

END