KAMPALA — iKON Awards and Reach A Hand Uganda have unveiled the 2026 cohort of the iKON Young Filmmakers Fellowship Program, selecting 10 emerging creatives to undergo eight months of intensive training and mentorship aimed at strengthening Uganda’s film industry.
The fellows were unveiled during an event held on February 15, 2026, at the Reach A Hand Uganda offices in Lungujja, Kampala.
The selected fellows are Mutya Manisuli Arafah, Sean Kalinaki, Kaitana Guma Davis, Fadhil Mahad, Ashiraf Kanunu, Ray Edward Muhumuza, Sanyu Elizabeth, Elly E. Debuni, Nuwagaba Patience and Nantambi Consolanta.
Over the next eight months, the cohort will participate in masterclasses covering production, directing, editing, screenwriting, acting and other key areas of filmmaking.
They will be mentored by seasoned industry professionals including Alex Ireeta, Nana Kagga, Grace N. Emute, Matovu Martin Eric, Michael Wawuyo Sr, Mulindwa Richard, Jackie Katusiime, Lucky Lora Atwine and Pamela Keryeko.
Charles Owekmeno, Board Chairperson of Reach A Hand Uganda, said film remains one of the most powerful tools for influencing young people’s behaviour, mindset and economic potential.
“At Reach A Hand Uganda, what we do is influence young people’s behaviour, mindset and economic development. And there is no stronger tool to influence youth today than film,” he said.
He urged the fellows to focus on stories that resonate with African audiences while competing globally.
“We need to tell our stories through film. We are giving you the battery, it is up to you to make it shine. I challenge you to create films that compete at the international level,” Owekmeno said.
He stressed that collaboration remains critical to breaking into international markets.
“We are not collaborating enough to compete at that level, regardless of the talent we have,” he said, adding that even when filmmakers tell difficult stories, they must also tell positive ones.
“Positive stories create positive progress.”
The unveiling event also convened multisectoral stakeholders for a dialogue on leveraging VJing to enhance the growth and sustainability of Uganda’s film industry.
Veteran VJ Junior, born Mary Smarts Matovu, called for closer working relationships between video jockeys and filmmakers to expand audience reach.
“For a long time, I have called on filmmakers to collaborate with us. VJs understand audience tastes because we interact directly with viewers. So, filmmakers need to involve VJs early in the production process,” she said.
She noted that film consumption in Uganda has grown significantly in the digital era, particularly due to social media, and encouraged filmmakers to leverage these platforms.
“The market has increased because content is the new currency. For instance, TikTok is a good platform to promote movies,” she said.
She added: “There is no completely new story. What matters is how you plan and present it.”
According to organisers, the iKON Fellowship Program has, over the past three years, produced 30 short films, several of which have earned regional and international recognition.
Humphrey Nabimanya, Chief Executive Officer of iKON Awards, reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to building globally competitive storytellers and championing industry growth in Uganda.
Previous fellows also shared their experiences during a panel discussion.
Roda Nansubuga Segane, last year’s iKON Film Fellow winner, described the programme as transformative.
“It was an amazing experience,” she said.
“We had to put aside our differences, and we managed to produce a film that won an award. It was through collaboration, learning and unlearning; telling stories you truly understand. Don't borrow narratives you cannot handle.”
The fellowship’s impact has been reflected in past achievements. In 2024, Birungu Rose won Best Viewer’s Choice, earning her a study opportunity in Nigeria.
In 2023, Masadde Issa’s film Mama Wange won Best Film and secured 15 nominations, including recognition at the Uganda Film Festival, the Kaduna International Film Festival in Nigeria, and festivals in India and South Africa.
Participants in the dialogue also explored pathways to monetisation, highlighting film festivals, organised screenings, strategic collaborations, networking and strong marketing strategies as key avenues for generating income.
The iKON Awards is an annual Ugandan film and television celebration of creativity, excellence and innovation in the country’s creative sector, aimed at recognising exceptional talent and projects that elevate the industry locally and internationally.
