Ugandan documentary Memories of Love Returned, directed by celebrated Ugandan-American actor and filmmaker Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, won the Best Documentary Award at the 11th Mashariki African Film Festival held from 22–29 November 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for Uganda’s growing film industry and reinforces the country’s expanding creative footprint on the African continent.
The Mashariki African Film Festival remains one of the region’s leading platforms for artistic exchange and cinematic excellence. The Uganda High Commission in Kigali supported the Uganda Pavilion and actively participated in the festival, which was established to celebrate and elevate African cinema.
The High Commission coordinated Uganda’s overall engagement, ensuring that cultural cooperation continues to contribute to broader diplomatic objectives. Cultural diplomacy remains central to Uganda’s foreign policy, and joint initiatives with Rwanda are advancing film production, talent mobility, cultural tourism, and investment.
“The mission’s involvement reflects the Uganda Government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Rwanda while advancing cultural diplomacy and regional cooperation in the creative industries,”
said Michael Bulwaka, Counsellor at the mission.
“Ugandan filmmakers’ and creatives’ participation in this festival aligns with Uganda’s national priorities to grow the film, music, and digital content sectors, particularly through youth empowerment, skills development, and the expansion of cultural exports.”
Running alongside the festival was the Kigali International Content Market, a major convening platform for filmmakers, broadcasters, distributors, and cultural institutions across Africa and beyond.
Uganda’s participation enabled filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs to build networks, seek partnerships, and explore new market opportunities.
“The Kigali International Content Market offers Ugandan creatives an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with Rwandan industry partners and deepen cross-border creative ties. We thank the Uganda High Commission for facilitating this,” said Godfrey Musinguzi, CEO of the Uganda Film and Culture Market, who led the Ugandan delegation.
During the opening ceremony at Serena Hotel on 22 November, festival founder Mr. Tressoh Senghor welcomed delegates from across the continent and highlighted the region’s rapid growth in creative development. He emphasized the festival’s rising ambition—demonstrated by the unprecedented decision to award both Best Actor and Best Actress categories.
A keynote address was delivered by Professor Martin Mhando, Research Fellow at the School of Media, Communication and Culture at Murdoch University, Western Australia.
Professor Mhando underscored the socio-economic importance of cultural festivals, noting their role in shaping national narratives, strengthening regional identity, and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
He emphasized mentorship, youth-focused skills development, and culturally grounded innovation as key pillars for Africa’s creative future.
As the East African Community continues to deepen regional integration, Uganda reaffirms the centrality of the creative economy as a driver of unity, innovation, and global visibility.