Uganda’s Film Fraternity Unites to Raise Funds for Ailing Veteran Producer Namwanje Sophie

KAMPALA — In a powerful display of solidarity, Uganda’s creative and film fraternity gathered at the National Theatre over the weekend to raise funds for the medical treatment of veteran producer, director, and actor Namwanje Sophie.

Mediavision Academy Director Nkambo Robert, alongside Director of Studies Annet Aloyo, joined the assembly.  Nkambo commended the generosity of everyone who contributed, emphasizing the urgent need to establish a self-support system within the sector.

Robert Nkambo (left) and Aloyo Annet (right) share a solidarity with Sophie Namwanje (centre).

While speaking with our reporter, Mr. Mzee Bwanika, a leading figure within the creative sector, emphasized that the fundraiser was born out of a collective exhaustion with the industry’s culture of only celebrating artists after they pass away.

“We are tired of having moments where we celebrate our colleagues when they’ve passed on,” Bwanika said. “We are saying, if we have an opportunity to actually take care of them when they’re still struggling, let us do that. We want to ensure that at least she could be celebrated during her lifetime given her contribution towards the creative sector.”

The fundraising drive was spearheaded by Pearlwood—where Namwanje is a registered producer—but quickly blossomed into a cross-sector collaborative effort. The Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) waived all venue fees, dedicating 100% of the proceeds to the ailing filmmaker.

The event drew an overwhelming turnout from various industry stakeholders, including Cinema UG, the Film and Culture Market, the Uganda Federation of Movie Industry (UFMI), Boss Pictures, Zubaili Family, and numerous independent filmmakers and production houses.

“It shows that there is still hope, a beacon of breakthrough that breathes in the film industry,” Bwanika noted. “Bringing together creatives to support one of their own shows appreciation, a sense of belonging, and a sign of ownership.”

While the final accounting is still underway, initial estimates from the gate collections at the UNCC and mobile money contributions point to millions of shillings raised. Contributions included a direct one-million-shilling donation from the Uganda Federation of Movie Industry, alongside generous sums from the Film and Culture Market and various individual filmmakers.

Despite the success of the fundraiser, leaders in the sector are calling for a more permanent safety net for Ugandan creatives. Bwanika stressed that while community-driven fundraisers are a testament to the industry’s love and passion, they remain temporary fixes to recurring crises.

“This is just a trigger. It is a challenge to those in power and the leaders in the sector that we should come up with a permanent solution to a permanent problem,” Bwanika urged. “We can’t continue treating permanent problems with desperate measures. Our industry deserves to be protected, and it starts with the unification of the entire system.”

Funds raised from the event will go directly toward ensuring Namwanje receives the necessary medical care she requires. Organizers hope the event will serve as a turning point for the welfare and institutional protection of artists across Uganda’s creative economy.

The Chairperson of the Uganda Federation of Movie Industry (UFMI) Board of Governors, legendary artist Ragga Dee, also called for greater unity and mutual support within the film sector during times of hardship.

Speaking on the importance of standing together, Ragga Dee emphasized that misfortune can strike anyone at any time—whether through sudden illness, accidents, or other emergencies. He urged industry players to shift their mindsets, noting that waiting until someone passes away to make grand contributions, such as buying an expensive coffin, is not enough.

Instead, he proposed the creation of a dedicated benevolent fund to help filmmakers navigate unforeseen emergencies as they happen.

Addressing broader support structures, Ragga Dee shared some promising news, revealing that the President has agreed to establish a full film directorate under Operation Wealth Creation. This new initiative will go a long way in supporting filmmakers by providing insurance coverage for emergencies like accidents.

He further acknowledged the unfortunate reality that, despite its massive size and wealth of talent, the film industry still struggles to support its own in the same way the music industry does. However, he expressed optimism that these new interventions will help bridge that gap.

Concluding his remarks, Ragga Dee made a cash contribution of 1,000,000 UGX on behalf of the UFMI to support the cause.

Written by Nkambo Robert – Mediavision Academy