The first session of the Uganda Film Festival (UFF) 2026 workshop at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Bugolobi offices has challenged Ugandan filmmakers to look beyond production and pay greater attention to distribution, audience building, consistency and emerging opportunities.
The session brought together industry professionals who shared practical insights on how filmmakers can get their work before audiences, navigate the changing content landscape and build sustainable careers in the creative industry.
Sauti Plus introduces filmmakers to new distribution opportunities
Herman from Sauti Plus introduced participants to Kwiso TV and the Kwiso streaming platform, highlighting emerging opportunities for Ugandan filmmakers to distribute their productions and reach wider audiences.
He pointed to the potential for Ugandan content to reach bigger platforms and audiences, including platforms such as AfroMobile, giving filmmakers additional avenues beyond traditional television and cinema.
The discussion placed emphasis on the need for filmmakers to think about where and how their productions will reach audiences from the early stages of creating a film.
Pearl Magic Prime producer urges filmmakers to start with what they have
Nathan Magoola, a TV series producer on Pearl Magic Prime, encouraged filmmakers not to allow access to expensive equipment to prevent them from telling their stories.
Magoola noted that Pearl Magic Prime broadcasts in HD but said filmmakers using older cameras can still produce strong content.
His message to filmmakers was straightforward: make the films, reach out to the right people and seek the necessary submission guidelines for screening.
The emphasis was on taking action and making use of available resources rather than waiting until filmmakers have access to what they consider perfect equipment.
‘Produce, build a body of work’
Humphrey Nabimanya, founder of the Ikon Awards, challenged filmmakers to embrace quantity alongside quality, arguing that audiences are increasingly consuming content across multiple digital platforms.
He pointed to the growing popularity of YouTube, social media and short-form drama platforms such as ReelShort, DramaBox and ShortMax.
Using the Nigerian film industry as an example, Nabimanya highlighted how filmmakers have increasingly focused on producing consistently as funding models in the industry have changed.
He noted that major platforms have reduced some of their previous investment in local productions, making it increasingly important for filmmakers to develop their own production consistency and build a body of work.
His message to Ugandan filmmakers was clear: do not wait for perfect equipment to tell a good story. Produce, build a body of work and let the work demonstrate what you can do when opportunities and funding become available.
Nabimanya also encouraged filmmakers to explore opportunities within Uganda, including theatrical screenings, noting that Ugandan productions continue to find space in cinemas.
UCC highlights capacity-building and free community screenings
Ruth Kibuka from UCC encouraged filmmakers to take advantage of the Commission’s capacity-building programmes, which are designed to strengthen skills and professional development within Uganda’s film and creative sector.
She also highlighted the UCC Screening Van, which filmmakers can use for public screenings at no cost, provided their films have been appropriately classified by the Media Council.
The initiative offers filmmakers another avenue to take their stories beyond traditional cinema spaces and bring locally produced films directly to communities.
Beyond making films
The discussions at the first UFF 2026 workshop session highlighted a broader challenge for Uganda’s film industry: making a film is only the beginning.
Filmmakers were encouraged to think about where their films will be distributed, who will watch them, how they will build audiences and how consistently they can produce content.
From emerging streaming platforms and television to cinemas, social media and community screenings, the session highlighted the growing number of avenues available to filmmakers willing to explore different distribution channels.
The workshop forms part of the Uganda Film Festival 2026, which is running from August 21 to 28 under the theme “Transformation: The Power of Local Stories.”
The festival will culminate in the UFF 2026 Awards Gala on August 28, celebrating outstanding talent and achievements in Uganda’s film industry.
