The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), in partnership with MultiChoice Uganda, a Canal+ company, has successfully wrapped up the fourth edition of the Regional Film Competitions in Hoima, marking the conclusion of a month-long nationwide initiative.
The competitions, which also took place in Soroti, Luwero, and Arua, brought together emerging filmmakers from across Uganda, providing a platform to develop their craft and showcase their talent.
The Hoima edition, focusing on the Western Region, featured an intensive week-long training program. Participants received practical skills in storytelling, scriptwriting, directing, acting, film production, marketing, and the business of content creation, as well as guidance on piracy and intellectual property rights.
Speaking at the awards gala, Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, emphasized the importance of decentralizing opportunities for young filmmakers.
“The competitions give a young person with a borrowed camera and big dreams the same platform as someone with a fully equipped studio,” he said, assuring filmmakers of the government’s commitment to strengthening policies that protect intellectual property, encourage investment, and open distribution markets for Ugandan content.
Mr. Haruna Musinguzi, Director of Finance at UCC, speaking on behalf of the Executive Director, highlighted the need for professionalism alongside creativity.
“Good storytelling must be matched with respect for intellectual property, professional contracts between producers, cast, and crew, responsible portrayal of sensitive issues, and compliance with national content standards,” he said.
“We have seen situations where a film goes viral online but uses copyrighted music without permission, creating legal challenges. Let us grow creatively and professionally at the same time. Professionalism is what will attract investors.”
Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR and Communications Manager at MultiChoice Uganda, urged filmmakers to actively combat content piracy, noting its detrimental effect on the growth of the industry.
“Making a film is expensive. You invest millions of shillings but find someone illegally selling your film for as low as shs1,000 or downloading it for free from an illegal site. If you don’t fight such vices, you cannot pay your actors and crew,” he said.
Jamugisa also warned about broader risks linked to piracy, including cybercrime, data theft, and exposure to criminal networks, and encouraged filmmakers to access others’ productions only through authorized channels.
The competitions culminated in the Western Region Awards Gala, recognizing outstanding productions across several categories. Winners received cash prizes from UCC and MultiChoice Uganda, trophies, certificates, and gift hampers.
Among the awardees:
- Best Actor: Brian Tumusiime for Nyakato
- Best Actress: Fante Merinah Nabwami for Not Mine
- Best Student Award: Sarah Kansiime Abooki for Daughter of the Soil
- Best Original Soundtrack: Musinguzi Francis Glen for Daughter of the Soil
- Best Community Impact Film: Not Mine, directed by Angel Gumisiriza
- Best Smartphone Film: Ripple Effects, directed by Baguma Arnold
- Best Film: Kabwondera, directed by Rukundo Justus and Atuhaire Fiffy
With the conclusion of the Regional Film Competitions, attention now shifts to training workshops and cinema screenings for films in the Viewer’s Choice category, scheduled for May and early June, as part of the Uganda Film Festival (UFF) calendar, leading up to the final awards gala on June 5, 2026.