A new chapter for women in Uganda’s music industry began yesterday as Femme: Creative, the Women in Music initiative under AUMEX (Amplify Uganda Music Expo), was officially launched with an inspiring brunch at Patio Bella.

This exclusive gathering brought together influential women from the music and creative industries, marking a renewed commitment to fostering networking, collaboration, and long-term capacity building for female creatives.

The event hosted a distinguished lineup of industry leaders, including Serah Adong (Licensing Manager, Mdundo), Maija Rivenburg (Founder, Kipepeo Artist Management & Booking Agency), Afrie (Award-winning singer/songwriter), Tracy Ikopit (Next Media), Louise Bay (Cultural Attaché, French Embassy), Michelle Alwedo (Published poet & playwright), Michelle Isinbaeva (Regional PR & Entertainment Professional), and Esther Louyot (Cultural Coordinator, Alliance Française Kampala).

A key highlight was a powerful keynote address by Hon. Rachel Magoola, Women’s Representative for Bugweri District and a celebrated artist, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between women and men to drive equality in the industry. “When we work together, we create opportunities, break barriers, and build a thriving creative sector,” she said.

The brunch was hosted by two women-led organizations: CloneMe Studios, a creator agency specializing in connecting brands with creatives, and Patio Bella, an upscale restaurant in Arena Mall that provided the perfect setting for meaningful conversations. The event was further elevated by Johnnie Walker, which curated an exclusive whiskey-tasting experience for the guests.

This launch of Femme: Creative builds on last year’s successful programs and sets the stage for upcoming industry activations leading to AUMEX ’25.

As the event wrapped up, the excitement was palpable—this brunch was not just a celebration, but the first step towards impactful collaborations, stronger networks, and a more inclusive industry. With momentum now in full swing, all eyes are on the next initiatives that will shape the future for women in music in Uganda and beyond.