The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyombi Thembo, has praised filmmaker Issa Yusuf Masadde after his nomination for Best Director at the upcoming Uganda Film Festival (UFF) 2026 for his film Maama Wange.
Speaking after meeting the Kawempe-based filmmaker in Kampala on Monday, Thembo said Masadde represents the positive impact of targeted support to Uganda’s creative sector.
He revealed that in 2025, UCC provided Masadde with 20 million shillings to purchase cameras and equip his production studio.
“Issa exemplifies the positive outcome when passion aligns with targeted support. It is incredibly fulfilling to see that this investment has yielded immediate, tangible results,” he said.
Masadde previously won the Best Actor award for Soccer Heart at the 2025 Ikon Awards and has since continued to grow his filmmaking career.
Thembo said UCC is encouraged by creatives who are effectively utilising resources provided through its support programmes.
“At UCC, nothing gladdens our hearts more than seeing our support translate into tangible growth for the creative sector. More importantly, we are profoundly grateful to young creatives like Issa, who value transparency and account for the resources entrusted to them,” he said.
He added that seeing the equipment actively used in production demonstrates a meaningful return on the Commission’s investment.
Thembo congratulated Masadde on his nomination and reaffirmed UCC’s commitment to nurturing Ugandan talent and supporting local storytelling.
