The government has taken a step to promote Uganda’s creative industry by hosting the Eastern Regional Film Competition in Soroti City, bringing together filmmakers from across Eastern Uganda to showcase talent, receive training, and compete for awards.
The event, organized under the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, attracted participants from Soroti, Jinja, Mbale, and Tororo.
It featured hands-on training sessions for aspiring filmmakers in acting, smartphone filmmaking, camera handling, and film production, culminating in an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding performances.
Tony Ayo, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on ICT and National Guidance, said the initiative is part of government efforts to decentralize opportunities in the film industry and nurture local talent nationwide.
“We have been having training here for people interested in filmmaking in terms of acting, handling cameras and producing films through smartphones. Today we are on the final day of giving awards to winners who received certificates and cash prizes,” he said.
Awards were presented in several categories including best student actor, best actress, best actor, and best regional film group.
The top prize for best film group in Eastern Uganda went to Borodwum. Ayo noted that the regional competitions complement the national Uganda Film Festival by providing mentorship and local competition opportunities.
“Film is like football; it attracts a lot of funding and showcases the culture and talents of our people while telling our stories. One film alone creates jobs for actors, scriptwriters, cameramen, transporters and many others,” he said.
Winners received cash prizes ranging from Shs1.5 million to Shs4 million.
Ivan Jara, regional sales manager at MultiChoice’s DStv Eastern region, emphasized the company’s commitment to developing local talent.
“We are here to promote local content and bring our own talent to the scene. Those who have excelled will also benefit from the MultiChoice Talent Factory where the best are taken to Nairobi for fully sponsored training in acting and script writing,” he said.
Among the winners was Iteso actress Massie Ejau, who encouraged young people to pursue their dreams despite humble backgrounds.
Filmmaker Zachary Chris Shinali from Mbale won two awards, including best regional film and best smartphone film for Code, a production highlighting child protection and safety awareness.
Organisers say regional competitions will also take place in Northern, Western, and Central Uganda as part of a nationwide effort to expand opportunities in the creative sector and boost youth employment through filmmaking.
