Uganda’s film industry is undergoing a transformative period, evolving from a niche creative space into a dynamic sector with growing talent, improved production quality, and rising commercial potential.
However, stakeholders emphasize that deliberate investment, stronger regulation, and recognition of film as both an economic driver and cultural pillar are critical for sustaining this growth.
The discussion dominated the first episode of The Ugandan Podcast Season 4, organized by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in partnership with MultiChoice Uganda.
Brian Mulondo, Local Content Manager at MultiChoice Uganda, highlighted the sector’s evolution over the past six years, attributing it to sustained investment in local productions.
“Since the launch of Pearl Magic channels, we’ve seen a boom across all aspects of the industry,” Mulondo said.
“Uganda has moved from having only a handful of professional cinematographers and sound engineers to a thriving ecosystem of skilled talent thanks to initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory.”
Uganda can now support multiple large-scale productions simultaneously, with competent crews and technical expertise. Mulondo added that MultiChoice’s commissioning model empowers independent filmmakers, enabling them to earn from their work while retaining ownership after licensing periods.
Several Ugandan productions are now recognized on continental platforms, including the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
From a regulatory standpoint, Ruth Kibuuka, Manager of Content Development at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), stressed the importance of structural and policy support.
“Twelve years ago, UCC introduced local content quotas for broadcasters, but we quickly realized that while broadcasters were willing, the available content lacked quality,” she said. This prompted the commission to train over 10,000 filmmakers in directing, producing, scriptwriting, and cinematography.
Kibuuka highlighted film’s economic and cultural potential, noting its capacity to create employment opportunities while preserving Uganda’s heritage.
She emphasized the need for strong regulatory frameworks for quality assurance and intellectual property protection, pointing to UCC’s collaborations with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau and the Uganda Film Festival as key milestones.
TV host and producer Judithiana Namazzi pointed to professionalism as an ongoing challenge.
“Many entrants lack training, which affects execution,” she said, urging creatives to embrace research, continuous learning, and constructive feedback. She also stressed the importance of spotlighting women in film to encourage greater female participation.
Award-winning filmmaker Loukman Ali noted that while talent is expanding, the business ecosystem remains underdeveloped. He compared Uganda to Nigeria, where brands actively invest in product placement because they understand film’s commercial value.
“In Uganda, brands still view film with skepticism, forcing filmmakers to self-fund, which impacts quality and distribution,” he said. Ali also warned that bureaucratic delays in policy formulation often leave regulations outdated in a fast-evolving industry.
“Technology is shaping the industry quickly, and by the time policies come to light, the industry has already moved a step further,” he added.
While Uganda’s film industry is brimming with potential, unlocking its full value will require targeted investment, robust policy frameworks, and a shift in mindset among brands and stakeholders to see film not only as art but as a viable business capable of driving economic growth and cultural influence.