Kampala – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) will on Friday evening honour filmmakers, actors, producers and technical professionals at the 13th Uganda Film Festival Awards Gala in Kampala.
The ceremony marks the closing event of a festival that took place from August 21 to 28 under the theme “Transformation: The Power of Local Stories.” The event celebrates the growth of Uganda’s audiovisual industry and highlights the rising quality and number of locally produced films.
According to UCC organisers received 299 film submissions for the 2025/26 cycle. Winners will be announced across 29 categories, including writing, directing, producing, acting, cinematography, editing, sound design and production design. Two special achievement awards will also be given to individuals who have made contributions to the film industry.
UCC Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo said the regulator remains committed to building a commercially sustainable film sector. “We want an industry that creates employment protects Uganda’s identity and increases the country’s international visibility ” he stated. Thembo said supporting stories is key to building a strong creative economy that can compete across East Africa and beyond.
The 2026 festival jury is chaired by respected Ugandan actor and director Philip Luswata. Other members include Ugandan filmmaker Loukman Ali, Ghanaian Kuadzi Mawuko and Tanzanian filmmaker Hatibu Madudu. The diverse panel shows the festivals goal of maintaining standards while encouraging collaboration across the East African film community.
The Uganda Film Festival has grown steadily over the years into one of the important platforms for celebrating and promoting local cinema. Beyond the awards the weeklong programme included screenings, industry discussions and opportunities for filmmakers to connect with stakeholders, broadcasters and distributors.
Organisers said strong partnership support helped make this year’s edition a success. Key partners include the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, MultiChoice Uganda, Century Cinemax, NuMax Cinema and EMT Cinema. Their involvement has helped expand the festival’s reach and ensured that more Ugandan stories can be seen by audiences through both theatres and digital platforms.
Industry players see the festival as a tool for professionalising Uganda’s film sector. With growing interest in content on global streaming platforms local filmmakers are paying more attention to improving production quality, storytelling and market readiness. The awards gala is expected to shine a light on both established talents and new voices who are shaping the future of Ugandan cinema.
As the lights go up at the gala all eyes will be on which projects and creatives will take the top honours. For many in the industry recognition goes beyond trophies. It represents validation of the work invested in telling authentic Ugandan stories and signals that the local film industry continues to grow and mature.
The 13th Uganda Film Festival Awards Gala promises to be a night of celebration, reflection and renewed ambition for a sector that is steadily finding its voice, on the international stage.