On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the Swangz Creative Academy celebrated a significant milestone as it graduated over 100 students in a ceremony held at MOTIV, located on Old Port Bell Road in Kampala.
The event was a vibrant celebration of dedication, innovation, and the academy’s mission to shape the future of Uganda’s creative industry by producing job-ready talent.
Founded in 2022 by Swangz Avenue, the Swangz Creative Academy has rapidly positioned itself as a leader in practical skills training for Uganda’s creative sector.
The graduation ceremony brought together families, members of the media, and key stakeholders, including Humphrey Nabimanya, a celebrated social entrepreneur and founder of Reach A Hand Uganda. Praising the academy’s vision, Nabimanya lauded its role in empowering youth and contributing to the nation’s creative economy.
Graduates were awarded certificates accredited by the Directorate of Industrial Training under the Ministry of Education—a mark of recognition that not only validates their hard work but also opens doors for career advancement in Uganda’s growing creative sector.
A Celebration of Talent and Creativity
The ceremony was more than just a graduation; it was a showcase of creativity and skill. Projects developed by students throughout their training stole the spotlight, demonstrating the academy’s emphasis on real-world, hands-on learning.
Attendees were treated to captivating music videos, innovative short commercials, and full-scale productions, including the Iryn Namubiru Timeless Experience Concert, which was filmed entirely by Swangz alumni.
The polished professionalism and technical prowess of the graduates left an indelible mark on attendees. One emotional parent, overwhelmed by the high caliber of the work, shared: “I’m amazed at the level of skill my child has gained. This academy has truly transformed their future.”
This showcase was a testament to the academy’s “80% practicals” teaching philosophy. By prioritizing hands-on training, Swangz ensures its students are not only learning but are prepared to excel in the fast-paced creative industry.
Leadership and Inspiration
Speaking at the event, Julius Kyazze, CEO of Swangz Avenue, reaffirmed the academy’s transformative mission:
“At Swangz Creative Academy, our goal is to equip young people with practical skills that align with market demands, turning 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. What excites us most is the growing participation of young women. This is just the beginning—we’re committed to broadening our programs to empower even more youth beyond the creative industry.”
Benon Mugumbya, Swangz Avenue’s Head of Production, provided a motivating message to the graduates, reminding them that persistence and growth are the keys to success:
“Never stop seeking new skills. In the creative industry, rejection is inevitable, but those who keep pushing forward are the ones who succeed. Don’t let comfort be a trap—stay hungry, remain curious, and embrace every opportunity that comes your way.”
Training That Bridges Talent and Opportunity
The Swangz Creative Academy’s comprehensive courses—ranging from cinematography, live broadcasting, and scriptwriting to audio production and digital video editing—are designed to meet the growing demands of Uganda’s creative landscape. The academy’s hands-on approach ensures students graduate with market-ready skills, prepared to contribute meaningfully to the industry.
Many alumni have already begun their professional journeys, securing positions in top creative agencies, production houses, and even within Swangz Avenue itself.
Others have received high-profile recommendations for roles in leading creative firms, signaling the academy’s growing influence and its ability to bridge training with tangible opportunities.
A Vision for the Future of Uganda’s Creative Industry
The Swangz Creative Academy is not just shaping individual careers; it is laying the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable creative industry in Uganda.
As the nation gains momentum as a hub for talent and innovation, Swangz Avenue’s commitment to skills development and professionalism is helping to propel Uganda onto the global creative stage.
Reflecting on the academy’s broader impact, Julius Kyazze shared a forward-looking perspective:
“This isn’t just about training individuals; it’s about building an industry. Each graduate represents a building block in the foundation of Uganda’s creative future. Together, we’re positioning Uganda as a place where world-class creativity thrives.”
A Promising Tomorrow
As the graduates take their next steps—whether into film production, broadcasting, or audio engineering—they carry with them not only skills and experience but also the confidence to lead and innovate. The success of initiatives like the Swangz Creative Academy signals a bright future for Uganda’s creative economy, with limitless potential to inspire change both locally and globally.
