Government, through the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC), has extended a Shs 200 million grant to gospel artists in Uganda, marking the first major financial intervention specifically targeting the Christian music fraternity.
The funding, which will go into the Federation of Gospel Artists Uganda (FGAU) Sacco, is aimed at strengthening organization, boosting financial literacy, and empowering artists to treat their craft as a sustainable enterprise.
Speaking during a meeting at Piato Restaurant in Kampala, MSC Executive Director John Peter Mujuni said the gospel community has long contributed to national values but felt left behind.
“Their leadership told us they have done a lot for this country, advancing unity, peace and the mission of God and our country yet they felt inadequately recognized,” Mujuni said.
“For starters, we have provided Shs 200 million at an interest rate of 8% per annum. We shall help them organize their SACCO, mobilize members, open accounts, and undergo financial literacy training.”
Mujuni urged gospel musicians to remain true to their values while learning competitive industry practices.
“This is a world of competition. My advice is that they borrow what is good from secular artists and leave what is bad," he said.
He further urged them to embrace inclusivity, emphasizing that this approach would ensure everyone, regardless of their gender, background is not left behind.
FGAU President King Wesley welcomed the funding, describing it as a turning point for an industry that has often felt invisible despite its massive size.
“We felt left behind as gospel artists and ministers. We are not the noisy counterparts, and maybe government assumed we are insignificant. But we are the silent majority over 150,000 churches in this country, and at least each has one solo artist, not counting choirs," Wesley said.
He said FGAU brings together over 40 associations countrywide, with thousands of artists under different church denominations.
The grant, he explained, will focus first on capacity building.
“You can’t give money to people who don’t know how to use it. We are starting with sensitization, reorganization, and strengthening associations so that we know who our members are and how to reach them.”
Romeo Wilbert Odong, an artist from Gulu known for the hit Pililili Yoleng, said the support comes after years of being sidelined in favor of secular performers.
“People don’t invite us for shows. We are stereotyped because we don’t drink or live the typical entertainer lifestyle,” he said.
“Even when civic roles arise—campaigning for candidates or public mobilization—very few gospel artists are considered.”
He believes the MSC partnership will unearth talent across regions that has long been ignored.
“Once this money reaches deep down in Kitgum, Lamwo, Soroti, West Nile, the talent that will come out, Uganda will not be enough to consume,” he said.
During the engagement, MSC trainer Denis Odeba took artists through a session focused on transforming their approach to music and money.
He emphasized that many gospel musicians operate as individuals, something he said must change.
“SACCOs work on shared vision, trust and collective progress,” Odeba noted.
“We must shift from quick money to long-term wealth. It is not how much I earn, but how much I keep.”
He urged artists to treat their craft as a business.
“Talent is a gift from God, but monetizing it is a responsibility. You are not just performers—you are brands and enterprises.”
Head of the Emyooga Secretariat, Joseph Tukamushaba, said government financing must translate into real economic transformation.
“Our role is to provide the infrastructure that helps every Ugandan engage in productive activity that improves family and community welfare,” he said.
“Our money must cause impact in society. That is why we provide very low-interest loans.”
Gospel Artists also asked government to continue supporting them through structured financial inclusion.
Artists have also been encouraged to reorganize themselves, build capacity, and strengthen professionalism.
For a sector that calls itself the silent majority, the Shs 200 million injection signals the beginning of long-awaited recognition and possibly a new era of competitiveness in Uganda’s music industry.
They praised President Museveni and the Microfinance Support Centre for supporting them with a financial boost, which they say will help grow their sector.