22 Government-Supported Filmmakers Unveiled at Post-UFF Breakfast

KAMPALA, September 23, 2026 – The Uganda Communications Commission last week hosted a Post-Uganda Film Festival CEO and Stakeholder Breakfast to appreciate partners for their continued support to the sector, and to unveil the beneficiaries of the third edition of the Content Development Support Programme (CDSP).

Held at UCC House in Kampala, the breakfast brought together CEOs, government officials and key creative-industry stakeholders to celebrate the progress of Uganda’s film industry, strengthen partnerships and explore opportunities for further growth.

Among those in attendance were MultiChoice Uganda CEO Hassan Saleh, Airtel Uganda Managing Director Soumendra Sahu, Next Media CEO Kin Kariisa and Uganda Tourism Board CEO Juliana Kaggwa, among other industry leaders.

Speaking at the event, UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo said the breakfast provided an opportunity to celebrate another successful edition of the Uganda Film Festival while reflecting on the progress made and the work that remains to strengthen the industry.

The 13th edition of the Uganda Film Festival awards gala, held at the UICT grounds in Nakawa on August 28, 2026, saw Adui, You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye, Small Gods and Damalie take the spotlight. A total of 299 local films were submitted for the 2025/26 cycle.

A key highlight of the Post-UFF CEO and Stakeholder Breakfast was the unveiling of the 22 beneficiaries of the Content Development Support Programme, UCC’s flagship initiative to support the development and production of high-quality Ugandan audiovisual content.

Now in its third edition, the programme supports competitively selected projects in five categories: Animation, Short Films, Feature Films, Documentaries and TV Drama Series. The beneficiaries were selected by a six-member panel comprising eminent industry figures: Mathew Nabwiso, Mariam Ndagire, Godfrey Musinguzi, Dorcus Namajja, Brian Mulondo and Cindy Magara. A total of UGX 1.3 billion was awarded to the 22 beneficiaries.

The programme is designed to help filmmakers move their projects from concept to screen while contributing to the development of a sustainable, competitive and creative industry built around authentic Ugandan stories.

Congratulating the beneficiaries, Nyombi Thembo said the support represents an investment by Ugandans in the country’s creative talent.

“To the beneficiaries of the latest Content Development Support Programme, congratulations. You have emerged from a highly competitive selection process. The support you receive today represents an investment by the people of Uganda in your talent, creativity and potential. We look forward to seeing productions that not only entertain audiences, but also demonstrate excellence, professionalism and value for money,” he said.

The Executive Director further thanked partners that have over the years supported UCC’s efforts to develop Uganda’s creative sector, including MultiChoice Uganda, MTN Uganda, Stanbic Bank, Airtel Uganda, StarTimes and Citi Bank, among others.

“Your contribution has been invaluable, and we look forward to welcoming even more partners to this growing ecosystem,” he said.

Nyombi Thembo noted that the growing appetite for locally produced content presents an important opportunity for the development of Uganda’s film industry.

“Ugandans love film stories, and increasingly they are embracing stories told by Ugandans themselves,” he said, reaffirming UCC’s commitment to supporting the sector as part of its mandate under the Uganda Communications Act, 2013.

He noted that film is not only a source of entertainment, but also a vehicle for cultural expression, national identity, job creation and economic growth, particularly for Uganda’s youthful population.

Reflecting on the origins of the Uganda Film Festival, Nyombi Thembo said UCC launched the festival in 2013 with a vision of creating a platform for a vibrant and sustainable local film industry capable of competing regionally and internationally.

Thirteen years later, he said, the Commission is encouraged by the progress made, including growing film submissions and improvements in the quality of Ugandan productions, with local films increasingly gaining recognition at regional and international platforms.

However, he acknowledged that significant challenges remain, including limited access to financing, skills gaps, inadequate marketing capacity, distribution challenges and the need to build sustained audiences for local productions.

“UCC remains committed to working with stakeholders across the value chain to strengthen the industry’s foundations and unlock its full potential,” he said.

The Commission has over the years shown commitment to developing the sector through initiatives such as the Uganda Film Festival, skills development programmes, capacity-building interventions, public film screening and the Content Development Support Programme. These efforts demonstrate what can be achieved through collective action to strengthen Uganda’s audiovisual sector and maximise its contribution to national economic transformation.

CSDP III Beneficiaries