Maureen Nakisige’s Internship Journey at Mediavision Academy
As the world prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, Mediavision Academy—a ten-year-old private film and television training institution in Kampala—is proud to spotlight the achievements of Ms. Maureen Nakisige, a rising star in Uganda’s cinematic landscape.
Maureen, a junior-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Film at the prestigious Makerere University, recently completed her two-month internship at Mediavision Academy, running from 17 May to 26 July 2025. Her journey was nothing short of inspiring.
From her first week, Maureen immersed herself fully in every aspect of production, learning through hands-on experience and collaborative projects. One of her major accomplishments was her lead role as Aggie in a 20-minute drama titled The Kampala Confession—an aromatic comedy exploring the lives of unfaithful men in the capital. The drama, acclaimed for its humor and relatability, is set to air on a documentary on French channel.
Maureen in a pink dress acting as Aggie.
“Playing Aggie challenged my range as an actress, and I was surprised at how well I connected with the character,” Maureen shared. “It taught me to trust the process—and the camera.”
Her talents were not limited to screen acting. On 30 June, Maureen also participated in Cry for Help, a three-scene stage play that raised awareness about the importance of immunization. She played the role of a nurse, bringing both emotion and clarity to the production. “I gained so much from this internship—teamwork, acting skills, communication skills, and most importantly, confidence,” she reflected.
Maureen Nakisige (left), in a photo moment with other actors of the A Cry for Help drama.
Maureen’s journey was also steeped in technical training and field exposure. On 11 June, she joined the team on a documentary assignment at the Uganda Water and Sanitation offices in Butabika, where she was introduced to multimedia setup, camera operation, lighting techniques, and interviewing. It opened my eyes to the level of precision and professionalism required in field production,” she recalled.
She also participated in the Academy’s follow-up evaluation of the 2024 ICT and Multimedia training across five districts—Moyo, Arua, Pakwach, Nebbi, and Yumbe—where she helped administer tracer study questionnaires to assess how young people were applying digital storytelling skills.
“It was fulfilling to see how students were using phones for video, email, content creation, and even earning from social media,” Maureen said.
Back at the Academy, she delved into cinematographic theory and practice, learning composition, camera angles, the rule of thirds, and essential exposure parameters like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. On 7 June, she assisted on a creative shoot titled Ruby Veins, held in Bweyogerere, where she was introduced to drone (aerial) filming.
Maureen (in pinck) previewing clips of his performance on set.
Maureen also explored editing and post-production in the computer lab, learning how to shape stories through video and sound.
Mediavision Academy has long championed the inclusion of young men in the Ugandan film industry, but in recent years, the Academy has made an intentional shift toward empowering more women in cinematography, photography, and directing.
“We are proud of Maureen’s growth and contribution,” said a representative from the Academy. “Having Makerere University trust us with one of their promising students reflects our shared vision of bridging the gender gap in Uganda’s film industry.”
As the spotlight shifts globally toward women’s roles in peacebuilding, leadership, and media, Maureen’s success marks a powerful reminder that integrating women into creative industries is not only necessary—it’s transformative.
Maureen Nakisige’s internship at Mediavision Academy is a testament to what’s possible when opportunity, mentorship, and passion intersect. With more women like her stepping boldly behind and in front of the camera, Uganda’s film industry is poised for a richer, more inclusive future.
