Lumumba urges film industry to promote Uganda’s rich culture
Lumumba thanked the various stakeholders who have helped transform and elevate the acting and film industry in Uganda. She noted that acting and performing arts were once looked down upon, with some people considering them to be careers with no future.
Lumumba said filmmakers have a significant role to play in showcasing Uganda to the rest of the world by deliberately incorporating local culture and values into their productions. (Credit: Moses Nsubuga)
KAMPALA - The Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, has appealed to stakeholders in Uganda’s film industry to use their productions as a platform to promote the country’s culture, values, norms, food and other aspects of Uganda’s heritage.
Lumumba said filmmakers have a significant role to play in showcasing Uganda to the rest of the world by deliberately incorporating local culture and values into their productions.
She made the remarks during the 13th edition of the Uganda Film Festival 2026 in Kampala on Friday, August 28, 2026, in a speech that was read by the State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere, who represented her at the function.
Nameere said filmmakers have a significant role to play in showcasing Uganda to the rest of the world by deliberately incorporating local culture and values into their productions. (All Photos by Moses Nsubuga)
The awards, organised by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), were held at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) in Nakawa, Kampala, attracting hundreds of film lovers, actors, producers and other industry players.
The event attracted several prominent guests who participated in presenting awards, including UCC boss Nyombi Tembo, his predecessor Godfrey Mutabaazi, Pastor Aloysius Bugingo, Abbey Mukiibi, and Nameere, who represented Lumumba, among others.
Among the films that emerged as top performers was Ekitiibwa Kyolubugo, produced by Mariam Ndagire, while Damalie won in the Best Drama category. Other outstanding productions included No Neda, among several others.
Diana Kahunde won Best Actress, while Derrick Baka was recognised as Best Actor in a TV Drama. Michael Jr Oduyo won Best Actor in a Feature Film, while Gilbert Natasha and Atenyi Stephen took home the Best Screenplay award.
Lumumba thanked the various stakeholders who have helped transform and elevate the acting and film industry in Uganda. She noted that acting and performing arts were once looked down upon, with some people considering them to be careers with no future.
However, she said attitudes have changed significantly, as society has increasingly recognised the economic and professional value of acting and filmmaking. She noted that the film and entertainment industry now contributes significantly to Uganda’s economy through employment, revenue generation, concerts and other related activities.
Lumumba further urged broadcasters to give greater prominence to Ugandan content on local television, in line with the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda campaign. She called on broadcasters and the public to support, consume and promote locally produced films and other creative content.
She emphasised that Ugandan filmmakers should also use their productions to tell authentic Ugandan stories and showcase the country’s rich culture, values, norms, food, traditions and way of life, saying this would help preserve Uganda’s heritage while promoting it both locally and internationally.