This article looks at how linguistic constructions influenced development of theatre in Uganda. It traces the relationship between the constructions, conceptualization, theory and practice of theatre in Uganda. The article avers that linguistic constructions led to negative perceptions, which led to apathy towards theatre and inhibited Ugandan theatre scholars and practitioners towards adequate theatre conceptualisation, study and practice. The inhibition curtailed development of appropriate approaches to theatre, vis-à-vis ability to recognise artistic value and capability to organise theatrical elements into a good theatre experience, which led to inadequate development of theatre theory, skills, techniques and practice. The article proposes an approach that can help build capacity of theatre practitioners and scholars for appropriate exploitation of the Performing Arts and feed into the government’s efforts of promoting the Creative Arts Industry (CAI) for employment creation, improved social intelligence and sustainable development.