Since its founding in 2022, the Swangz Creative Academy has been on a mission to nurture young creatives, equipping them with practical, market-ready skills for thriving careers in the creative arts. This week, the academy reached another milestone, celebrating the graduation of over 100 students at an event held at MOTIV on Old Port Bell Road, Kampala.
The ceremony, which attracted proud parents, media, and notable industry stakeholders, underscored Swangz Avenue’s commitment to shaping the future of Uganda’s creative economy. Among the distinguished guests was celebrated social entrepreneur and founder of Reach A Hand Uganda, Humphrey Nabimanya, whose presence highlighted the wider impact of the academy’s work.
Graduates received certificates accredited by the Directorate of Industrial Training under the Ministry of Education, a testament to the academy’s emphasis on delivering professional, industry-standard education.
A Showcase of Talent and Achievement
The event began with a vibrant showcase of student projects, which reflected the academy’s core value of “80% practicals.” Projects included music videos, short commercials, and high-profile collaborations such as the filming of the Iryn Namubiru Timeless Experience Concert, executed by Swangz Creative Academy alumni. Parents and guests were captivated by the quality of work, a direct result of the academy’s hands-on teaching approach.
Speaking at the event, Julius Kyazze, CEO of Swangz Avenue, emphasized the academy’s vision to transform Uganda’s creative sector:
“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. It’s especially exciting to see many girls taking up these opportunities. This is just the beginning — we aim to broaden our training programs beyond the creative sector to empower even more individuals in the future.”
Words of Inspiration from Industry Leaders
Swangz Avenue’s Head of Production, Benon Mugumbya, encouraged graduates to embrace resilience and adaptability as they embark on their careers:
“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 remain hungry for growth and open to new opportunities.”
The Swangz Creative Academy offers a range of courses, including audio production, cinematography, digital video editing, live broadcasting, scriptwriting, and film production. Its teaching methodology, which combines hands-on learning with theoretical assessments, has produced graduates who are now securing jobs in top agencies or being retained within Swangz Avenue itself.
A Growing Impact on Uganda’s Creative Economy
The Swangz Creative Academy graduation ceremony highlighted the academy’s broader role in fostering a professional creative ecosystem in Uganda. With students already gaining employment and working on notable projects, the academy is contributing to the growth of the country’s creative economy while positioning Uganda as a hub for talent and innovation.
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.”
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As the curtains closed on this inspiring event, the graduates left equipped not just with skills, but with the confidence and drive to make their mark on the creative world. With Swangz Avenue leading the way, Uganda’s creative industry is poised for even greater heights.
