Northern Uganda’s Film Industry Leaps Forward as Capacity Enhancement Programme Concludes
Spearheaded by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in strategic partnership with MultiChoice, the programme was facilitated by the renowned Mediavision Academy (MVA). The initiative was designed not just as a classroom exercise, but as a professional incubator to bridge the gap between raw talent and industry-standard execution.
A Masterclass in Cinematic Excellence
The expert facilitation team from Mediavision Academy was led by Robert Nkambo, the Academy’s Founder and Director, who served as the Technical Coach and Lead Trainer. Joining him were industry veterans Kennedy Kihire (Directing), Justus Barongo (Video Editing), and Kiregga Owomukisa (Assistant Facilitator). A critical addition to the curriculum was provided by Daniel Massamba Meboya, a strategic communication expert who facilitated a session on marketing, promotion, and distribution—areas often overlooked by emerging creators.
Mediavision Academy team (left to right); Kiregga Owomukisa, Daniel Meboya, Kennedy Kihire, Nkambo Robert and Justus Barongo.
Over the course of the week, participants were immersed in the full lifecycle of filmmaking. From the initial spark of script development and content design to the technical rigors of production and post-production, the trainees were pushed to view film not merely as art, but as a viable commercial enterprise.
From Script to Screen: The Premiere of Local Narratives
The true test of the training lay in its deliverables: the production of two original short films. Despite the grueling schedule and limited resources, the trainees exceeded expectations, producing “Lens of Rebellion” and “Nyalano.” These films were premiered at the Hotel Breeze Desert Arua, drawing a crowd of distinguished guests, local leaders, and industry scouts.
“Lens of Rebellion”, produced by the trainee group “Energy Films,” utilized the camera lens as a powerful metaphor for defense. The story follows a young woman aspiring to be a filmmaker who faces severe opposition from her mother. Rooted in societal stigmas that equate the entertainment industry with moral laxity, the mother attempts to force her daughter into a traditional career. However, after the daughter secretly auditions and earns her first professional paycheck, the mother’s perspective shifts, realizing that film is a dignified and profitable career.
Director Onyango reflected on the production’s intensity, noting that the team often shot until 10:00 PM to meet deadlines. “If UCC had started these interventions years ago, our industry would be miles ahead,” he remarked, praising the rapid skill acquisition in scriptwriting and editing.
Poster Nyalano movie created by Pearl Pictures group during the training.
“Nyalano”, produced by “Pearl Pictures” and directed by Daniel Genua, took a bolder approach by exploring the friction between modernity and tradition. The film tells the story of an educated youth returning to his village, where he must navigate a controversial traditional rite involving his bride-to-be. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about cultural preservation and the complexities of ancestral norms in a modern world. Genua noted that the training transformed his understanding of the “business of film,” specifically regarding the importance of posters and trailers in distribution.
Stakeholders Rally Behind the North
The closing ceremony served as a powerful endorsement of the region’s potential. Rtd. Major Betty Akello Otekat, the Resident City Commissioner for Arua and Guest of Honor, described the film industry as a “key driver of economic growth.” She emphasized that every film production creates a “chain of income,” supporting everyone from sound engineers to local catering services. She urged filmmakers to write stories that ensure “our traditions are understood by us and for us,” emphasizing cultural sovereignty.
Rtd. Major Betty Akello Otekat delivers her speech as guest of honor.
Representing the Executive Director of the UCC, Eng. Alfred Joseph Bogere reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to nationwide expansion. He reminded the audience that while high-end equipment is helpful, “creativity matters most.” He also touched upon the critical issue of copyright laws, urging filmmakers to protect their intellectual property to attract serious investment.
Matt Bish Heat of the Jury Regional Film Competitions 2026 addresses the guests.
Matt Bish, serving as the Head Juror for the Regional Film Competition, offered a balanced perspective of praise and professional advice. While he commended the “tremendous work” and “great stories” produced during the week, he challenged the filmmakers to spend more time in the “development” phase before jumping into production, ensuring that scripts are bulletproof before the cameras roll.
Voices of the Future: The Trainee Experience
The personal impact of the programme was evident in the testimonials of the participants. For Isaac Mutabazi, a cinematographer from Gulu, the training was a “breakthrough” in understanding the financial ecosystem of film. “I learned how to find my own channels and who I can sell my stories to,” he said.
Patrick Nyakuta from Terego District, who transitioned from radio production, described the West Nile as a “virgin land” for storytelling. He highlighted how the training gave him the tools to turn his passion for environmental conservation into visual narratives.
The ceremony also celebrated the achievements of female filmmakers. Aber Ayaa, a producer and storyteller from Gulu who starred in the film “No Safe Place to Call Home” nominated as Best Film in the Northern Region, walking away with an award worth 4 million Uganda Shillings. Similarly, Amito Sharon, an activist for young mothers and star of “Silence Scream,” expressed excitement about her nomination and her newfound ability to integrate technical sound and editing skills into her advocacy work.
Aya Gloria and her team celebrate their victory after receiving their check of 4M shillings.
A New Era for Northern Cinema
As the curtains fell on the 2026 Film Capacity Enhancement Programme in Arua, the atmosphere was one of profound optimism. Robert Nkambo of Mediavision Academy perhaps summarized it best: “You are the best team I have ever trained. You will face challenges, you may feel like abandoning your projects, but if you are persistent, you will see the results.” Beyond his encouragement to the trainees, Nkambo issued a passionate call to action to industry stakeholders, including MultiChoice, the UCC, and other private and public institutions. He urged them to join Mediavision Academy’s mission by providing the necessary support and investment to expand these initiatives. By partnering with the Academy, stakeholders can help facilitate more focused, high-impact filmmaking trainings that empower the youth of Uganda to turn their creative potential into professional excellence.
Participants celebrate completion of the training at the award ceremony at Desert Breeze Hotel.
The programme has done more than just teach technical skills; it has validated the voices of Northern Uganda. By equipping 34 talented individuals with the tools of the trade and the business acumen to survive, the UCC and Mediavision Academy have ensured that the stories of Gulu, Lira, and Arua will no longer remain in the shadows, but will shine brightly on screens across the globe.
Written by Daniel Massamba Meboya, Strategic communication specialist.
