On June 6, 2025, the Uganda Film Festival (UFF), themed Local Stories, Global Impact, captivated audiences at the Serena Hotel in Kampala. The 12th edition of the festival honored excellence in film, television, and animation, showcasing the rising global influence of Ugandan cinema and celebrating local narratives that resonate with international audiences.
Artists Elijah Kitaka and the legendary Maddox Ssematimba Ssemanda delivered spectacular performances. Film creatives, influencers, and government dignitaries, including Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, Minister of State for Information, Communications and Technology,Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo attended the event. MCs Mr. Mwine Ben and Nana Kagga hosted the glamorous gala, which featured a dazzling red-carpet spectacle and pictorial moments.
Organized by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) since 2013, the UFF aims to promote local talent and foster global appreciation for Ugandan stories. Sponsors such as Nation Media, UCC, MTN Uganda, and MultiChoice Uganda supported the event.
The festival received a record 362 film submissions from over 330 filmmakers, reflecting the industry’s growth across regions such as Gulu, Jinja, Mbarara, and Arua. A panel of expert judges, headed by renowned actor Philip Luswata, carefully examined the submissions, emphasizing the importance of authentic Ugandan storytelling.
Award winners walked with Cash prizes and these were in various categories. These Category winners included;
BEST FEATURE FILM
Nkinzi– Aidah Nalubowa & Rehema Nanfuka
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Kimote– Nabakiibi Joan Jojo & Elgon Label
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Kimote– Eric Wamasebu
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Kimote– Joseph Mumpi Sserubiri
BEST SOUND DESIGN
Battle for Earth – Norman Dhikusooka
BEST MAKE-UP DESIGN
Kimote– Kebirungi Rose Lily
BEST POST-PRODUCTION / EDITING
Nkinzi– Zaed Matovu & Jemba Jonathan
BEST DIRECTOR IN A FEATURE FILM
Nkinzi– Rehema Nanfuka
BEST FILM IN AN INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE
Kimote– Hassan Mageye
BEST SCREENPLAY
Nkinzi– Esther Nampewo & Rehema Nanfuka
BEST ACTRESS IN A FEATURE FILM
Nakafeero Suzan Shamirah – Lama
BEST ACTOR IN A FEATURE FILM
Mendez Kintu – Kimote
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A FEATURE FILM
Debie Kagisha – Fatal
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A FEATURE FILM
Masaba Roger Magona – Kimote
BEST ACTRESS IN A TV DRAMA/SERIES
Agaba Joan – What If
BEST ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA/SERIES
Derrick Baka – Beloved
BEST TV DRAMA/SERIES
Damalie– Doreen Mirembe
BEST EAST AFRICAN FILM
Wamaitha– Kang’ethe Mungai (Kenya)
BEST SHORT FILM
Boundary Mwisho – Hakim Zziwa
BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM
Masaka to Toronto – Walta Gabriel Busulwa & Akello Isabella
BEST SOUNDTRACK
Fatal– Byaruhanga Douglas
BEST ANIMATION FILM
Lia and Origa – Dominic Dipio
BEST STUDENT FILM
Dinner for Three – Brian Adrine Kabogozza
BEST REGIONAL FILM
Tusabe Ivan
BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
When the Gospel Speaks – Motheo Madisa & Vincent Moloi (South Africa)
RISING STAR AWARD
Kisakye Passion
VIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD
At the Edge
LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Sister Dipio Dominic
UFF- Champion
Eng. Godfrey Mutabazi
The Uganda Film Festival 2025 awards showcased the vibrancy and potential of Ugandan cinema with even the nominees work as best despite not winning in various categories. The event not only celebrated exceptional talent but also highlighted the festival’s role in promoting local stories that resonate on a global scale.
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