MultiChoice Uganda, a CANAL+ Company, has reaffirmed its support for Uganda’s film and television industry by partnering with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for the 2026 Uganda Film Festival Awards.
The partnership brought MultiChoice Uganda together with filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, scriptwriters and other creatives to celebrate the talent and stories shaping Uganda’s growing creative industry.
The Uganda Film Festival has, since its launch in 2013, developed into a major platform for showcasing local films, recognising outstanding talent and providing opportunities for creatives to develop their skills and reach wider audiences.
At this year’s awards gala, filmmakers and other industry professionals were recognised in several categories for their contribution to Ugandan film and storytelling.
MultiChoice Uganda received the Festival Award, while actor Derrick Baka won Best Actor in a TV Drama/Series for his performance in Damalie, a production supported by MultiChoice Uganda.
Speaking at the awards, Colin Asiimwe, Head of Marketing at MultiChoice Uganda, said the company’s partnership with the festival reflects its commitment to promoting Ugandan stories and creating opportunities for local talent.
“As we celebrate tonight, we are reminded of the incredible talent and creativity within Uganda’s film industry and the strength of the stories our filmmakers are producing,” Asiimwe said.
He said film and storytelling play an important role in preserving culture, inspiring conversations and connecting audiences with authentic Ugandan experiences.
“Uganda’s film industry continues to demonstrate its ability to tell authentic stories that resonate deeply with audiences both locally and across the continent,” he added.
Through its platforms, including Pearl Magic and Pearl Magic Prime, MultiChoice Uganda continues to invest in local productions aimed at showcasing Ugandan culture, experiences and talent to audiences in Uganda and across Africa.
The company’s support comes as Uganda’s creative industry continues to expand, creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment while promoting cultural preservation and tourism.
UNESCO estimates that Africa’s film and audiovisual industry has the potential to create more than 20 million jobs and contribute over USD 20 billion to the continent’s economy.
The 2026 Uganda Film Festival also featured film screenings, training sessions, workshops and mentorship programmes, with more than 50 Ugandan films showcased during the festival.
The activities brought together professionals from different areas of production, including actors, producers, directors, cinematographers, editors, makeup artists, costume designers, sound engineers and scriptwriters.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said the commission remains committed to supporting the development of Uganda’s film industry.
He also commended the Ministry, the Uganda Film Festival jury, UCC team, nominees and winners for their contribution to the festival.
“The festival launched in 2013 and has grown significantly over the past 13 years, with increasing film submissions, improving production quality and growing international recognition of Ugandan films,” Nyombi said.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to veteran actor and filmmaker Andrew Benon Kibuuka by Minister Justin Namere, who represented ICT Minister Justine Lumumba, the Guest of Honour.
LIST OF WINNERS
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – ANDREW BENON KIBUUKA
FESTIVAL CHAMPION – MULTICHOICE UGANDA
BEST SCREENPLAY – AYENY T. STEVE & NATASHA GRACE GASHUMBA / ADUI
BEST ACTRESS IN A FEATURE FILM – FLORENCE MARISERENA / SMALL GODS
BEST ACTOR IN A FEATURE FILM – MICHAEL WAWUYO JR / THE UNFORGIVABLE
BEST SOUND DESIGNER – SIMON AGOLA / THE UNFORGIVABLE
BEST ACTRESS IN A TV DRAMA/ SERIES – DIANA KAHUNDE
BEST ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA/ SERIES – DERRICK BAKA
BEST REGIONAL FILM – NO/NEDDA (CENTRAL REGION)
BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM WINNER – EKITIIBWA KYO’BULOGO
BEST ANIMATION FILM WINNER – AMARA AND THE SPIRIT OF NYAMAGUNDA
BEST SHORT FILM – IFINITY
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN – ROKA STARS, MAGOOLA JOTHAM AND TUMUSIIME ROBERT UINTES FOR WAKA WAKA
BEST COSTUME DESIGN – ELTON GYAZA / YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE GOODBYE
BEST POST PRODUCTION / EDITING – OKOTH PETER AND ALIBET JOSHUA / ADUI