Swangz Creative Academy Graduates Over 100 Students, Strengthening Uganda’s Creative Economy
Since its inception in 2022, the Swangz Creative Academy has been dedicated to empowering young creatives with market-ready skills for thriving careers in the arts. This week, the academy celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of over 100 students during a vibrant ceremony at MOTIV on Old Port Bell Road, Kampala.
The event attracted proud parents, media representatives, and influential industry stakeholders, emphasizing Swangz Avenue’s commitment to shaping Uganda’s creative future. Among the esteemed guests was social entrepreneur and founder of Reach A Hand Uganda, Humphrey Nabimanya, whose presence underscored the academy’s wide-reaching impact.
Professional Certification for Graduates
Graduates were awarded certificates accredited by the Directorate of Industrial Training under the Ministry of Education. This accreditation reflects the academy’s dedication to delivering professional, industry-standard education tailored to the demands of Uganda’s growing creative sector.
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A Showcase of Creativity
The ceremony kicked off with an impressive showcase of student projects, including music videos, commercials, and collaborations on high-profile productions such as the Iryn Namubiru Timeless Experience Concert. The quality of the work left parents and guests in awe, demonstrating the effectiveness of the academy’s practical learning approach, which emphasizes “80% practicals.”
Julius Kyazze, CEO of Swangz Avenue, expressed the academy’s vision during his address:
“At Swangz Creative Academy, we aim to equip young people with practical skills that align with market demands, transforming them into job creators rather than job seekers. Over the past 6-8 weeks, we’ve trained over 50 students in areas like photography, voice recording, and film. Seeing more girls taking up these opportunities is particularly inspiring. This is just the beginning—we aim to expand our training programs to empower even more individuals in the future.”
Inspiring Words from Industry Leaders
Swangz Avenue’s Head of Production, Benon Mugumbya, inspired graduates with his remarks:
“Never stop seeking new skills. In the creative industry, rejection is inevitable, but winners are those who refuse to give up. Comfort can be a trap, so always stay hungry for growth and open to new opportunities.”
Courses That Build Careers
The Swangz Creative Academy offers a comprehensive range of courses, including:
- Audio Production
- Cinematography
- Digital Video Editing
- Live Broadcasting
- Scriptwriting
- Film Production
The academy’s unique teaching methodology, combining hands-on training with theoretical assessments, has resulted in graduates securing jobs with top agencies and even within Swangz Avenue itself.
A Catalyst for Uganda’s Creative Economy
This graduation ceremony highlighted the Swangz Creative Academy’s pivotal role in fostering a professional creative ecosystem in Uganda. With graduates already contributing to high-profile projects and securing employment, the academy is positioning Uganda as a hub for innovation and artistic talent.
Benon Mugumbya summed it up perfectly:
“This isn’t just about training individuals—it’s about shaping an industry. With every graduate, we’re building a stronger foundation for Uganda’s creative future.”
The Road Ahead
As the curtains closed on this inspiring event, the graduates left with skills, confidence, and the drive to make their mark in the creative industry. Under Swangz Avenue’s leadership, Uganda’s creative sector is poised to reach even greater heights, solidifying its place on the global stage.
