The Creations Limited - Original Pearl of Africa Art and Fashion

Artist Biography

Hon. Gen Elly Tumwine, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (representing the UPDF) is a professional artist, teacher and soldier. Born on the 12th of April 1954, in Burunga, Kazo, Mbarara Uganda, he studied at Burunga Primary School, Mbarara High School and St. Henry's College Kitovu before joining Makerere University School of fine art. He graduated with a BA (FA) Hons and a diploma in education in 1977, specializing in History of Art Painting.

After graduation he taught in a number of schools and he was the head of the department at Kitunga High School when he left to join the freedom fighters to fight the Idi Amin's regime. He had just started the Tropical Artists Association in Mbarara and held his first joint Art Exhibition with other members of the Association in 1978.

After the NRM victory in 1986 he resumed his art. While serving as the army commander of the NRA, he designed the flag, the emblem and the green and camouflage uniforms of the army, which were produced by NYTIL in Jinja. He then revived the Uganda Artists Association and was made the Patron. Since that time, artists have benefited greatly from his contributions and promotion of art through participation and guidance. Gen Elly Tumwine was appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Cultural Centre, to promote all art in Uganda.

Towards the end of 1992, after a successful joint exhibition which was honoured by a visit from H. E. President Yoweri Museveni, the General launched his company, The Creations Limited to promote the artist and crafts industry, encouraging artistic values and creativity.

Has designed and promoted the use of local material and motifs from textiles, leather and other products making art applicable, affordable and meaningful to all people.

In his designs he has utilized motifs from his thesis, the art of the Bahima of Ankole, Uganda. The products attracted a lot of interest at the UMA Trade Fair of 1993, where The Creation Ltd. Was awarded the 1st prize for small-scale manufacturers. The Creations Ltd is an active member of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA) and a founder member of the Uganda Leather Allied Industries Association (ULAIA)