By Mulengera Reporters
Veteran Ugandan actress, singer, filmmaker and cultural icon Mariam Ndagire has earned a nomination for Best Director at the Uganda Film Festival, marking another recognition of her longstanding contribution to Uganda’s film industry.
Ndagire is nominated in the Best Director category for Longing to Belong, where she will compete against four other filmmakers: Drake Makanga for You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye, Ayeny T Steve for Adui, Masadde Isaa Yusuf for Maama Wange and Ssentongo Marvin Rain for Waka Waka.
The nomination highlights Ndagire’s work behind the camera and her continued influence in Uganda’s creative sector. Although widely known to audiences for her acting and music, she has also established herself as a filmmaker, taking on the demanding role of translating stories from script to screen.
Her nomination for Longing to Belong comes at a time when Uganda’s film industry continues to gain momentum, with local filmmakers increasingly telling stories that reflect the country’s experiences, aspirations and social realities.
The Uganda Film Festival provides a platform for celebrating these achievements while recognising the individuals working across different aspects of film production. The Best Director award, in particular, acknowledges filmmakers who demonstrate strong creative leadership, storytelling ability and vision in bringing a production to life.
Ndagire’s inclusion in the category places her among a competitive group of directors whose films represent different approaches and perspectives within Ugandan cinema.
For the veteran entertainer, the nomination adds another dimension to a career that has seen her contribute to Uganda’s arts scene as an actress, singer and filmmaker. Her continued involvement in film also demonstrates the evolving roles taken by established figures in the country’s entertainment industry.
As the festival draws attention from filmmakers, actors, critics and audiences, the Best Director category is set to be one of the closely watched awards. Whether the prize goes to Ndagire or one of her fellow nominees, their recognition reflects the growing importance of strong local direction in shaping the future of Ugandan cinema.(For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
