The 2026 Uganda Film Festival (UFF) has been postponed following government directives aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) announced that the annual festival would no longer take place as earlier scheduled, citing guidance from the National Taskforce on Ebola Response and the Ministry of Health.
The postponement affects all festival activities, including film screenings, workshops and the Uganda Film Festival Awards Gala, which had been scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026.
According to UCC, the decision follows a Ministry of Health circular issued on May 26, 2026, restricting mass gatherings within Kampala and surrounding areas as part of ongoing efforts to contain the spread of Ebola and protect public health.
The development comes as a major disappointment to filmmakers, actors, producers and creative industry stakeholders who had been preparing for one of Uganda’s biggest film events of the year.
Over the years, the Uganda Film Festival has become a key platform for celebrating local filmmaking talent, showcasing Ugandan productions and connecting creatives through workshops, networking opportunities and awards recognition.
However, UCC said the health and safety of the public remains the priority despite the inconvenience the postponement may cause.
“While we recognise the disappointment this may cause to filmmakers, nominees, sponsors, exhibitors and festival audiences, the health and safety of the public remains our highest priority,” the commission said in its statement.
The regulator added that the postponement is intended as a precautionary measure to support national response efforts and safeguard communities during the current health situation.
UCC further revealed that it is working closely with relevant government authorities and stakeholders, noting that new dates for the festival will be announced once it is considered safe to proceed.
In the meantime, members of the public have been encouraged to continue following guidance issued by the Ministry of Health and remain vigilant as the country responds to the Ebola situation.
The Uganda Film Festival is one of the country’s premier platforms for promoting local cinema, recognising excellence in film production and strengthening Uganda’s growing creative industry.
For now, filmmakers and fans will have to wait a little longer before the cameras roll again.
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