Uganda’s creative industry is bursting with talent, energy and ambition. From live concerts and studio shows to digital content and large-scale productions, creativity is no longer on the fringes of the economy it is fast becoming a serious industry. Yet one challenge has remained stubbornly consistent: the gap between raw talent and industry-ready professionals.
Play It Loud, one of Uganda’s leading production and live events companies, is stepping in to confront that challenge head-on with the launch of its Creative Trainee Programme 2026 an initiative aimed at discovering, training and empowering the next generation of creative professionals.
The programme targets aspiring directors, directors of photography (DOPs), set designers, data managers, and sound and lighting technicians, offering them hands-on experience in real-world production environments. Selected trainees will work directly on live events, studio shows and live-streamed productions, gaining practical exposure that is often difficult to access in an industry with limited formal entry points.
According to Play It Loud, the idea for the programme was born not in theory, but through experience on the ground.
“When we started producing at scale, we realised something was missing,” says Shafik Nekambuza, a member of the Play It Loud management team. “We have incredibly creative young people in Uganda, but many are untrained, undiscovered, or lack structured exposure to professional production environments.”
Instead of importing expertise or working around the skills gap, Play It Loud made a deliberate choice to invest in the local creative community. The Creative Trainee Programme is designed not just as a short-term training opportunity, but as a long-term investment in the industry’s future.
Trainees will learn directly from experienced Ugandan professionals, alongside industry experts from across Africa who will fly in specifically to mentor and train participants. This blend of local knowledge and regional expertise is intended to expose trainees to both homegrown realities and broader continental standards of production.
Beyond technical skills, the programme places strong emphasis on professional discipline, teamwork, creative management and resilience qualities essential for surviving and thriving in high-pressure production environments.
“It’s also about sustainability,” Shafik explains. “Some of the trainees will grow into long-term careers with Play It Loud, while others will go on to build their own careers and, in turn, train others. That’s how an industry grows.”
Play It Loud believes the initiative also creates something the industry has long lacked: a safe, structured platform for young creatives to express themselves, refine their craft and build confidence. In a sector where opportunities are often informal, competitive and unpredictable, such structure can be the difference between potential and progress.
The application process reflects that philosophy. Rather than academic qualifications, applicants are required to submit links to work they have already done to production@playitloud.com, reinforcing the programme’s focus on passion, initiative and real creative effort.
The programme will run for a minimum of three months, with only shortlisted applicants contacted. Applications close on 25th January 2026.
