By Mulengera Reporters
With a colourful awards gala in Kampala, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) yesterday concluded the 12th edition of the Uganda Film Festival (UFF), sending a strong message that Uganda’s film industry is on the rise and here to stay.
Held under the theme “Local Stories, Global Impact”, the festival attracted a record number of submissions (363 in total, of which 303 were Ugandan-made).
From Gulu to Jinja, and Tororo to Ntungamo, filmmakers across the country responded to UCC’s call to tell authentic Ugandan stories.
“This is not just about making films. It’s about building a structured, inclusive and commercially viable industry,” said UCC Executive Director, Mr. Nyombi Thembo, while addressing guests at the gala night.
He noted that many Ugandans have the creativity and drive to produce quality content, but often lack platforms and support, and that’s where UCC, he said, has stepped in, not just to regulate, but to nurture and guide.
The Commission unveiled a six-point plan to boost the sector, including proposals to establish a national film marketplace, support local screening spaces like bibandas, improve digital marketing, and attract international distributors, also promising continued engagement with television platforms and streamers to expand viewership of Ugandan content.
Away from the spotlight, the Commission quietly carried out regional outreach through its UFF Regional Film Competition, where it trained young filmmakers and hosted community screenings in places like Lira, Mubende and Arua, with the goal of giving every talented Ugandan, regardless of where they live, a shot at being seen.
“We are making sure this is not just a Kampala affair. Talent exists in every part of this country, and our job is to open the doors wider,” said UCC’s Director of Content Development, Julianne Mweheire.
At the gala, the film Kimote and drama series Nkinzi led the nomination board with 14 nods each. Other standout titles included Sabawali, Behind the Truth, and Muzzukulu wa Nambi. The jury, chaired by veteran actor and lecturer Philip Luswata, praised the steady improvement in production quality and story structure.
But Luswata also had a reminder for the industry, saying: “We need to see Uganda in these stories. Our people, our streets, our humour, our struggles, that’s what gives our films power,” with which Thembo agreed saying, “We’re not trying to be Hollywood, but building Ugawood, on our terms, with our stories.”
In just over a decade, the Uganda Film Festival has become more than just an awards night, now a space for learning, connecting, and growing together as an industry. UCC’s deliberate investment in training, mentorship, regulation, and recognition is now bearing fruit.
This showed that Uganda’s film industry is no longer operating in the shadows, but gaining structure, confidence, and international attention, thanks, in large part, to UCC’s steady hand.
For many filmmakers in the crowd, it was not just about winning awards, finally being seen, heard, and supported. And for UCC, it was another step forward in its mission to build a communications sector that reflects and uplifts every local voice.
