Buganda Kingdom is exploring a potential partnership with filmmaker Mathew Nabwiso on Flames of Faith, a historical film centred on Kabaka Mwanga and the Uganda Martyrs, in a move that could reshape how Uganda’s history is told and marketed globally.
The discussions, held at Bulange, were initiated through efforts led by Rosa Malango, the Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism and Trade, as part of a broader strategy to link Uganda’s creative industry with cultural institutions to boost community-based tourism.
Malango led a delegation that included representatives from the Producers Guild of Uganda and the iKON Film and Television Awards to meet Buganda’s leadership.
The meeting was attended by the Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, alongside Heritage Minister Anthony Wamala and Youth and Arts Minister Robert Sserwanga.
At the center of the discussions is how film can be used as a strategic tool to project Uganda’s cultural identity to global audiences while simultaneously driving tourism to historical sites tied to the narratives.
For Malango, the approach is about converting heritage into economic opportunity by connecting storytelling with travel experiences rooted in local communities.
Katikkiro Mayiga welcomed the initiative, highlighting film as a powerful medium for cultural diplomacy and tourism promotion.
“Film offers a powerful platform to showcase Uganda’s true identity, values, and opportunities to the world,” Mayiga said, noting the challenge of helping global audiences understand places they have never physically experienced.
Flames of Faith is expected to draw on one of Uganda’s most defining historical narratives, focusing on Kabaka Mwanga’s reign and the story of the Uganda Martyrs—a subject that continues to shape religious and cultural identity in the country.
Nabwiso, known for films such as Sabotage, Rain, and Prickly Roses, is positioning the project as a major cinematic production grounded in authentic Ugandan storytelling.
Industry players say the engagement signals a growing shift toward intentional, locally rooted narratives that can compete on the global stage while preserving cultural integrity.
The initiative also reflects a broader push to align Uganda’s film industry with tourism and heritage promotion, with stakeholders increasingly viewing cinema as a gateway to attracting international visitors and investment.
Officials involved in the discussions say the potential collaboration could open up new pathways for cultural preservation, job creation, and global visibility for Uganda’s historical assets if brought to fruition.
