Do you dream of being in the spotlight, acting, singing or entertaining others? Are you creative, artistic? Don’t let go of your dream, you can make your dream a reality. Let’s take a look at the Arts, audio-video technology and communications career field and see how to make your dream come true.

Arts, audio-video technology and communications careers include designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing and publishing multimedia content. This field also involves the visual and performing arts, journalism and entertainment services.

Careers in broadcasting, journalism, new media, social media, and audio-visual technology are growing rapidly. There is an increasing need for professional people with a gift for creativity, communication and entertainment skills.

There is also an increase of media production, whether it be movies, television, or web content in the country. Uganda has a very vibrant entertainment industry with over 22,000 registered members of the Uganda Performing Rights Society. We also boast of over 20 newspapers and magazines printed on a daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly basis, over 20 local television stations and over 100 radio stations across the country.

The film industry in Uganda, also referred to as Ugawood or Kina Uganda, has directors like Mariam Ndagire, Nana Kagga, Lukyamuzi Bashir, Isaac Nabwana of Wakaliwood, Ashraf Ssemwogerere is credited for directing “Feelings Struggle” the first Ugawood film and many others. This industry is quite productive. The Uganda Communication Commission organizes Uganda Film Festival to promote the film industry.The Bayimba Festival is also an annual event that filmmakers showcase their work. Some Ugandan films have scooped awards, like

  • State Research Bureau- 4 awards in 2013
  • The Felistas Fable- 4 awards in 2014
  • Queen of Katwe- 2 awards in 2016 and 18 nominations in 2016
  • Last King of Scotland- 48 wins and 31 nominations in 2006 & 2007

WHAT THE EXPERTS HAVE TO SAY

Douglas Kasule Benda, a filmmaker, actor, theatre director and drama teacher who works at Benda Bookings and also a drama teacher in his interview with the Student Hub said Technological advancement is what is trending in the Arts, audio-video technology and communications industry. "I can submit films all over the world just at my PC." he added.

FUTURE JOBS

The sector is rich with jobs such as

  • Actors
  • Camera Operators
  • Casting Directors
  • Choreographers
  • Costume Designer
  • Broadcasters
  • Interior Designers
  • Motion Picture Projectionist
  • Musicians
  • Performing Arts Technician
  • Playwrights Lighting Technicians
  • Radio and TV announcers
  • Radio Programme Writers
  • Singers
  • Stage Manager
  • Theatre Technicians
  • Video Editors
  • Programme Directors.

COURSE

The fields of study to enroll for in this career field include;

SKILLS

On top of these academic qualifications, you should be artistic, creative, imaginative, fashion-conscious and a keen observer. You should be keen to detail, have good interpersonal relations.

PLACES TO KNOW

These are some of the place where you can practice and acquire knowledge and skill to improve your talent.

The National Theatre

The National Theatre is over 50 years old auditorium, it has always been the primary cultural venue in Kampala since independence and has a sitting capacity of 377 people. Many cultural and modern contemporary events have been held in this place. Some of the programmes at the theatre include; Dance classes (salsa), film club, music classes, Art & cultural festivals, Art exhibitions, tailored courses in selected artistic areas.

Dance schools

Music schools

Dj schools

COURSE ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS

For those that want to pursue the above courses at degree level these are the entry requirements:

  • Direct Entry; the candidates should have a minimum of two (2) principle passes in all A ‘level subjects obtained at the same sitting or its equivalent in relevant subjects.
  • Diploma entry scheme; the candidate should hold a relevant diploma in any course.
  • Mature age entry scheme; the candidate should have a pass in the mature age entry examinations with at least 50% and must be 25 years and above with a certificate or diploma in any course.

NOTE: Candidates who have obtained at least one (1) principle pass or its equivalent in relevant subjects can apply for diploma and certificate programmes. For certificate courses, candidates must have attained a minimum of 5 credits at O ‘level.

(SOURCES: The New Vision newspaper university guide, the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Sports, Career Guidance Handbook, Uganda Performing Rights Society, Uganda Communication Commission and the Uganda Bureau of Statistics)