Ikon Awards 2025: A Celebration of Ugandan Cinema Like Never Before

The Ikon Awards 2025 is set to be one of Uganda’s biggest nights in film, and with the recent announcement of nominees, the excitement is at an all-time high. Held via a live broadcast on the Ikon Awards YouTube page, the nomination event was hosted by media personality Ethan Kavuma and actress Catherine Namugenyi, who unveiled an impressive lineup of nominees across 22 competitive categories.

For film lovers, actors, and creatives, the Ikon Awards are more than just an awards show—they are a testament to the progress and talent in Uganda’s film industry. This year, the awards have expanded their nominee slots, introduced new recognitions, and strengthened their commitment to inclusivity, making 2025 a standout edition.

A Bigger, More Inclusive Awards Season

Unlike previous editions, where four nominees battled it out in each category, the 2025 Ikon Awards has increased the number of nominees from four to five in each category. This means more filmmakers and creatives get the recognition they deserve.

“What makes this year’s Ikon Awards special is that we have expanded the number of nominees, creating more room to celebrate exceptional work. We are stronger than ever in championing inclusivity and celebrating diverse voices in the film and television industry,” said Usama Mukwaya, Producer of the Ikon Awards.

The categories range from Best Film and Best Director to technical awards like Best Editor and Best Visual Effects, ensuring that every aspect of filmmaking is celebrated.

Beyond the competitive categories, the Ikon Executive Committee has introduced four prestigious awards:

• Best Emerging Film – Recognizing promising new talent.
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Honoring a legend in the Ugandan film industry.
• African Ikon of the Year – Celebrating a figure making waves in African cinema.
• African Rising Star Award – Highlighting an up-and-coming creative on the continent.

Why This Year Feels Different

There’s a palpable energy around Uganda’s film industry, and the Ikon Awards 2025 is capturing this momentum. This year’s competition is fiercer than ever, showcasing the depth of storytelling, cinematography, and acting in Uganda.

Many industry insiders have expressed excitement over the remarkable growth in the Ugandan film space. Speaking during the panel discussion at the nominations event, filmmaker Lucky Lora Atwiine highlighted how much the industry has evolved:

“It’s inspiring to see Ugandan filmmakers pushing creative boundaries with every new project. The level of competition this year proves that we are stepping onto a bigger stage, telling stories that are both authentic and globally relevant.”

Panel Discussion: Women in Film & The Industry’s Future

The nominee announcement wasn’t just about reading names; it also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion with industry heavyweights Doreen Nabbanja, Drake Makanga Clay, and Lucky Lora Atwiine.

The first session set the stage, discussing industry expectations ahead of the nominations. The second session, however, was vibrant, engaging, and eye-opening, giving insight into Uganda’s evolving film industry, with a particular focus on the role of women in cinema.

The message was clear: Uganda’s film industry is growing, and women are playing a bigger role than ever before.

What’s Next?

With the Ikon Awards 2025 set to take place on March 29, 2025, at Serena Hotel Kampala, the road to the big night is just beginning. Next up is the Nominees Luncheon in February, an exclusive gathering to celebrate, network, and foster industry collaborations before the awards.

Curious to see who made it to the nominees list? The full list of nominees is available on the Ikon Awards social media pages.

Uganda’s film industry is on the rise, and the Ikon Awards 2025 is the perfect stage to celebrate this creative revolution.

Nomination List Below:

IKON RISING STAR

Arthur William Sewanyana

Tyra Abok

Ethan Mwesigwa

Iradukunda Rebecca Hope

And Barack Balaba

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Raymond Rushabiro – SOCCER HEART

Bwanika Baale Felix – SSEKUKKULU

Muhmood Zamunyo – MARIA

Housen Mushema – MAKULA

And Edson Keith Abitegeka – SSEKUKKULU

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Milka Irene – NOT A WIFE

Eleanor Nabwiso – KARAMOJA

Nakayo Veronica – CHRISTMAS TOGETHER

Joanitta Bewulira Wandera – MAKULA

And Nana Kagga – MARIA

ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY

• MAKULA

Cinematography by Alex Ireeta

• MARIA

Cinematography by Vincent Odoi

SOCCER HEART

Cinematography by Alex Ireeta

• CHRISTMAS TOGETHER

Cinematography by Izaek Ekuka

• And KARAMOJA

KARAMOJA

Cinematography by Izaek Ekuka

ACHIEVEMENT IN SCREENWRITING

• MAKULA

Screenplay by Nisha Kalema

• MARIA

Screenplay by Nana Kagga

• CHRISTMAS TOGETHER

Screenplay by Mary Nyanzi and Eleanor Nabwiso

• SOCCER HEART

Screenplay by Kevin Johns Nabukenya

• And SSEKUKKULU Screenplay by Josephine Kabahuma and Samuel Savior Kizito

ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND DESIGN

Isiko Abubaker – KARAMOJA

Jose Arins – MAKULA

Kyobe Sebbowa – SOCCER HEART

Marvin Rain Ssentongo – THE LIONS OF BUGANDA

And Simon Agola – MARIA

ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING

Henry Matovu, Kizito Sudaisy Sebowa – MAKULA

Kizito Sudaisy Sebowa – SOCCER HEART

Marvin Rain Ssentongo, Muhwezi Herbert – THE LIONS OF BUGANDA

Paul Katumwa, Vincent Odoi – MARIA

And Paul Kimera – KARAMOJA

ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN

• THE LIONS OF BUGANDA

Costume Design by Ali Musinguzi, Dollar Fashionista, Naggayi Patricia –

• KARAMOJA

Costume Design by Nantege Joan

• MAKULA

Costume Design by Nantege Maureen Victoria

• SOCCER HEART

Costume Design by Nantege Joan

• And MARIA

Costume Design by Tazibone Solomon

ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKEUP AND SPECIAL EFFECTS

• HALF LIFE

Makeup And Special Effects by Kabanywari Maggie

• MAKULA

Makeup And Special Effects by Nakakande Cynthia –

• KARAMOJA

Makeup And Special Effects by Nantege Joan

• THE LIONS OF BUGANDA

     Makeup And Special Effects by Nabakiibi Joana Jojo, Latifah Nabatanzi and Rutaro Abell

• And MARIA Makeup and Special Effects by Nantege Joan

BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES

Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga – SANYU

Dennis Kinani – DAMALIE

Derrick Baka – BELOVED

Emmanuel Atuhaire – CROSSROADS

And Moses Jr. Kiboneka – JDC

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES

Diana Nabatanzi – JDC

Doreen Mirembe – DAMALIE

Hellen Lukoma – BELOVED

Nicole Estella – CROSSROADS

And Nana Kagga – DAMALIE

ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN

Imran Musabbeh – MAKULA

Nana Kagga – MARIA

Imran Musabbeh – SOCCER HEART

Mulindwa Richard – HALF LIFE

And Tumusiime Robert Quintes – THE LIONS OF BUGANDA

ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS

THE LIONS OF BUGANDA Visual Effects by Patrick Chris Black, Faysal Mukalazi –

DINNER FOR THREE Visual Effects by Lazarus Musungu

And STAPLE Visual Effects by Nsiimbe Isaac Newton

BEST SHORT FILM

Boy No Fear by Jonathan Curtiss

Estranged by Sharifu Kisambira

Jimbi by Tusabe Ivan

Jua Kali by Ssemwogererere Nersky Nurudeen

And Staple by Isaac Bbuye

BEST DOCUMENTARY

Charcoal and Courage

Ghetto Fist

The History of film in Uganda

Ghetto Mama

And The Royal Summit

BEST ANIMATION FILM

Fractured

Kataleya

Kintu

Maica

And Stuck in the Nest

BEST TV SERIES

Crossroads by AYENY T. STEVE

Beloved by NATHAN MAGOOLA

Damalie by DOREEN MIREMBE

JDC by ALLAN MANZI

And Sanyu by MATHEW NABWISO

BEST STUDENT FILM

Dinner for Three

Emunyenye

Not my daughter

The Boy from Kampala

And The Chicken Thief

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Rehema Nakitto (Ray P) – NOT A WIFE

Nabakiibi Joana Jojo – OMUKULULO

Nisha Kalema – MAKULA

Pelly Peninah Nampanga – MARIA

And Hasifah Nakitende – PRESENT PAST

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Isaac Khaweka – AT THE CROSSROADS

Prince Joe Nakibinge – OMUKULULO

Ssekimpi John Mary – PRESENT PAST

Issa Massade Yusuf – SOCCER HEART

And Lubega Edris – HALF LIFE

BEST DIRECTOR

Richard Mulindwa – HALF LIFE

Nisha Kalema and Dan Mugisha – MAKULA

Kevin Johns Nabukenya – SOCCER HEART

Nana Kagga – MARIA

And Jerry Sesanga – THE LIONS OF BUGANDA

BEST FILM

Soccer Heart by KEVIN JOHNS NABUKENYA

Maria by NANA KAGGA

Karamoja by ELEANOR NABWISO

Makula by NISHA KALEMA

And The Lions of Buganda by JERRY SESANGA