The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting local content creation across the country, expanding its initiatives beyond Kampala.
Speaking at the Regional Film Competition Awards Gala in Tororo, Mr. Ibrahim Bbossa, Head of Public and International Relations at UCC, highlighted the commission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s film industry through training, funding, and international exposure.
“Today is a significant milestone in the journey of supporting content creation in Uganda,” Bbossa said.
“For years, under the Uganda Film Festival, we have promoted local content by Ugandans, for Ugandans.”
He noted that in 2014, UCC introduced a 70% local content quota for broadcasters during prime time, but the lack of quality Ugandan content at the time posed a major challenge.
“We were hit with the staggering reality that broadcasters claimed there was no local content,” he explained.
This led to the birth of the Uganda Film Festival, which not only showcased Ugandan stories but also helped build capacity in the film industry.
Bbossa acknowledged past challenges, including poor scriptwriting, inadequate lighting, and limited technical skills, which hindered the quality of local productions.
In response, UCC launched training programs to equip filmmakers with essential skills.
“We infused our energies into supporting the film industry through capacity building,” he said.
As a result, Ugandan films have gained international recognition, with some filmmakers securing distribution deals.
However, Bbossa admitted that initial efforts largely benefited Kampala-based filmmakers.
“That is why, with our partners, we decided to go regional and engage grassroots filmmakers,” he stated.
The expansion of UCC’s film initiatives into regions like Eastern Uganda marks a turning point.
“Hosting this event in Tororo and interacting with regional filmmakers is a milestone for both the industry and UCC,” Bbossa added.
He emphasised the role of partners like Multichoice in driving local content growth.
He expressed optimism about Uganda’s potential as a film hub, citing the industry's role in job creation, tourism promotion, and cultural storytelling.
“Film in this country can create employment, improve tourism, and most importantly, allow us to tell our own stories to the world,” Bbossa concluded.