By Mulengera Reporters
Minister of ICT and National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba has described Uganda’s film industry as one of the country’s “best-kept secrets”, saying the sector has the potential to become a major driver of employment, tourism, cultural preservation and economic growth.
Lumumba said film and the wider creative industry should no longer be viewed merely as entertainment, arguing that they have become important components of national development and a source of livelihood, particularly for Uganda’s youthful population.
This was in her statement delivered by the State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere on Friday evening during the Uganda Film Festival 2026 at Nakawa, where filmmakers, actors, producers, technicians and other players in the creative industry were recognized for their contribution to Uganda’s film sector.
According to Lumumba, for many years acting, music, cinema and sports were dismissed by older generations as unproductive career choices, despite the growing opportunities they now provide.
She recalled that arts-related academic programmes were once mocked, citing the former Music, Dance and Drama programme, which she said was sometimes derisively referred to as “Musiru Ddala Ddala” before being changed to “Mugezzi Ddala Ddala” in recognition of the value of the arts.
Lumumba said the perception of the arts had since changed, with the creative sector increasingly recognized for its contribution to employment, education, empowerment and cultural expression.
She said film had become a viable vocation with significant economic and social implications, especially at a time when young people make up the largest segment of Uganda’s population.
The Minister said government was committed to creating an enabling environment for the industry to grow, noting that a stronger film sector could generate employment, attract tourists and help preserve Uganda’s cultural heritage.
She also called on Ugandans to support local productions, saying the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda philosophy should extend to the creative sector by encouraging audiences to consume locally produced films.
Lumumba urged broadcasters and digital platforms to create more space for Ugandan productions, while challenging filmmakers to uphold professionalism, quality, originality and copyright compliance.
She said Uganda’s filmmakers were increasingly taking the country’s stories and culture to regional and international audiences, helping to attract investors and promote tourism.
The Minister further cautioned filmmakers to respect the law, protect children, uphold human dignity and promote positive cultural values as the industry continues to expand. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
