The Uganda Film Festival Awards went down yesterday, June 6th, at the Serena Hotel in Kampala. Organized annually by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the event celebrates the very best in Uganda’s film industry through a week packed with workshops, film screenings, and other exciting activities.
As usual, awards were given out to recognize excellence in both the technical and acting categories. This year saw a whopping 307 film submissions, although only a fraction made it to the nomination list.
Around 50 films ended up competing across 25 categories. Interestingly, unlike previous years where most films were produced in English, this year had a refreshing number of entries in indigenous languages a big step forward for cultural representation.
And of course, no award show is complete without some red-carpet glam! Here are all the must-see looks from this year’s Uganda Film Festival Awards plus the full list of winners.
Here are all the must-see looks from the red-carpet.
Winners:
Major Film Awards
- Best Feature Film: Nkinzi – Aidah Nalubowa & Rehema Nanfuka
- Best Director in a Feature Film: Rehema Nanfuka – Nkinzi
- Best Screenplay: Esther Nampewo & Rehema Nanfuka – Nkinzi
- Best Cinematography: Eric Wamasebu – Kimote
- Best Production Design: Joseph Mumpi Sserubiri – Kimote
- Best Costume Design: Nabakiibi Joan Jojo & Elgon Label – Kimote
- Best Sound Design: Norman Dhikusooka – Battle for Earth
- Best Make-up Design: Kebirungi Rose Lily – Kimote
- Best Post-Production / Editing: Zaed Matovu & Jemba Jonathan – Nkinzi
- Best Soundtrack: Byaruhanga Douglas – Fatal
- Best Film in an Indigenous Language: Kimote – Hassan Mageye
Performance Awards
- Best Actress in a Feature Film: Nakafeero Suzan Shamirah – Lama
- Best Actor in a Feature Film: Mendez Kintu – Kimote
- Best Supporting Actress in a Feature Film: Debie Kagisha – Fatal
- Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film: Masaba Roger Magona – Kimote
Television Categories
- Best TV Drama/Series: Damalie – Doreen Mirembe
- Best Actress in a TV Drama/Series: Agaba Joan – What If
- Best Actor in a TV Drama/Series: Derrick Baka – Beloved
Regional and International Awards
- Best East African Film: Wamaitha – Kang’ethe Mungai (Kenya)
- Best International Feature Film: When the Gospel Speaks – Motheo Madisa & Vincent Moloi (South Africa)
- Best Regional Film: Jimbi – Tusabe Ivan
Shorts, Animation & Student Films
- Best Short Film: Boundary Mwisho – Hakim Zziwa
- Best Documentary Film: Masaka to Toronto – Walta Gabriel Busulwa & Akello Isabella
- Best Animation Film: Lia and Origa – Dominic Dipio
- Best Student Film: Dinner for Three – Brian Adrine Kabogozza
Special Awards
- Rising Star Award: Kisakye Passion
- Viewer’s Choice Award: At the Edge
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Sister Dipio Dominic
- UFF Champion Award: Eng. Godfrey Mutabazi
