The fourth annual iKON Awards has officially kicked off, with key updates unveiled at the iKON Activate, Uganda event held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Serena Hotel Kampala.
The iKON Activate event marks the official start of the iKON Awards season, building momentum ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026.
For the first time, the nominees will be announced in Kenya in January.
Continuing with the 2026 theme, Beyond Borders, the awards aim to celebrate creativity and foster cross-continental collaboration in Africa’s film and television industry.
“After various activations around the continent, we have noticed that the world is yearning for Ugandan stories. So, we agreed that we must put Uganda out there so that our film industry grows to the heights we aspire to. And that is the goal of the iKON Awards,” said Humphrey Nabimanya, Founder and CEO of the iKON Awards.
Since the submission period closed, more than 139 entries have been recorded from several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Sudan, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa, according to iKON Awards producer Usama Mukwaya.
These entries reflect ongoing efforts to connect creatives across the continent, upskill talent, share knowledge, and expand opportunities.
In line with this vision, the iKON Awards is partnering with the OCAN Festival and establishing a film fund under the iKON Initiative.
The fund will provide grants to directors and producers, enabling them to create their own films and further strengthen Uganda’s presence in global storytelling.
During the iKON Activate, Uganda event, past winners were honoured with certificates recognizing their contributions to the industry.
The event also featured an oldies party with a vintage glam theme, celebrating Uganda’s rich creative culture.
The iKON Awards is Uganda’s premier annual celebration of excellence in film and television, recognising talent, projects, and contributions that elevate the local creative sector while expanding its reach internationally.
