Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in partnership with MultiChoice Uganda has launched the fourth edition of the Regional Film Competitions and capacity-building workshops aimed at empowering emerging filmmakers across Uganda.
The competitions, running under the theme “Transformation: The Power of Local Stories,” kicked off in Soroti for the Eastern Region, bringing together aspiring filmmakers for a week-long training programme focused on improving creative and technical filmmaking skills.
Training the next generation of filmmakers
During the workshops, participants received hands-on training in storytelling, scriptwriting, directing, acting, cinematography, and contract management, as well as professional film production practices.
The initiative aims to equip young filmmakers with the skills needed to transform authentic local experiences into compelling stories capable of reaching both local and international audiences.
According to Rinaldi Jamugisa, the programme reflects MultiChoice Uganda’s commitment to nurturing Uganda’s creative industry.
“Uganda has an abundance of powerful stories rooted in communities, cultures and everyday experiences. Through these regional competitions we are equipping filmmakers with the skills and platforms they need to tell those stories in ways that resonate locally and internationally,” Jamugisa said.
Part of the Uganda Film Festival
The regional competitions form part of the 13th edition of the Uganda Film Festival, an annual initiative launched in 2013 by the Uganda Communications Commission to promote and develop Uganda’s film industry.
Speaking on behalf of the UCC Executive Director Alfred Bogere, officials emphasized that the competitions are designed to decentralize opportunities and ensure that filmmakers from all regions of the country can access training and industry platforms.
UCC noted that the creative sector is increasingly becoming an important driver of economic growth, which is why the commission continues to invest in programmes supporting local content development.
Eastern Region winners announced
The competitions in Soroti concluded with an Eastern Region Awards Gala, where outstanding productions were recognized across several categories.
Key winners included:
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Film | Zakaria Shinali Inyende | Borrowed Womb |
| Best Actor | Emmanuel Walugugala | At Sixteen |
| Best Actress | Shanita Nalyongo | At Sixteen |
| Best Student Film | Mercy Ajau Ajibo | Walls |
| Best Smartphone Film | Code | — |
| Best Original Soundtrack | Abdul Bakyekose | — |
| Best Community Impact Film | At Sixteen | — |
Receiving the Best Film Award, filmmaker Zakaria Shinali Inyende praised the organizers for providing platforms where emerging filmmakers can showcase their work.
“This win has given me hope that very soon my films are going to be showcased to wider audiences,” he said.
Competitions to continue across Uganda
Following the Eastern Region launch in Soroti, the competitions will continue in other regions including Luwero (Central Region), Arua (Northern Region), and Hoima (Western Region).
Organizers say the initiative is designed to ensure talent from every corner of the country has an opportunity to grow, be recognized, and contribute to the future of Uganda’s film industry.
