'Promoting local film production will preserve culture, create job opportunities'

________________

The Government has been urged to continue working alongside companies to ensure that screens across the nation, including TVs, showcase films produced in various local languages.

Tony Ayoo, the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on ICT and National Guidance, says this initiative will not only help preserve our culture but also enable Ugandans to tell their stories, all while generating employment opportunities.

Ayoo adds that efforts will persist in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and MultiChoice, a provider of satellite television services, DStv, to create more jobs in the film industry. This approach is expected to contribute to the country’s growth and development.

Furthermore, Ayoo urged the Government and UCC to allocate more resources for the education and awareness of local leaders and parents regarding the importance of filmmaking, drama, music, and dance.

He encouraged parents to support their children’s artistic talents instead of discouraging them, as these skills can lead to lucrative opportunities.

His remarks came during the Eastern Regional Competition, part of a government initiative aimed at promoting the film industry and creative arts through UCC and its partners in Soroti city.

Mercy Ajibo Ejau,one of the winners celebrating with her trophy.

At this March 10, 2026, event, top students, actors, actresses, and regional film groups from Eastern Uganda were recognised with cash prizes, DStv hampers, and trophies ahead of the upcoming Uganda Film Festival.

Their victory highlights the growing influence of the film industry and the strong storytelling coming from Eastern Uganda.

The winners, include Emmanuel Walugugala-best actor, Mercy Ajobo Ejau-Best student (for walls), Code-best smartphone movie, borrowed womp-best film, Shanita Sarah Nalyongo-Best actress (At sixteen) and Bakyekose Abdul (Best Original Soundtrack) were recognised for their outstanding performance.

Ayoo highlighted that the Government, through UCC, will continue to provide training in filmmaking and camera operation, ensuring that talent is identified, promoted, and supported.

“Acting is almost like footfall with a lot of funding going there, now what is left with is to ask the Government to put more money into sensitisation of leaders right from parliament to local government, including parents, for easy identification of talents,” he said.

Ivan Jara, the DStv Regional Sales Manager for the Eastern Region, is committed to bolstering local content, revealing that the best performers will later receive full sponsorship for training in Nairobi, Kenya.

John Michael Okurut, the Soroti Resident City Commissioner, praised UCC and its partners for their role in talent identification and the promotion of Uganda’s film landscape.

He urged the youth of Teso to be innovative and resourceful in storytelling and to leverage these opportunities to enhance their livelihoods.

Many winners from the competition expressed their gratitude to UCC and MultiChoice (DStv) for recognising and supporting their talents.

Mercy Ajibo Ejau, one of the lucky winners from Soroti, expressed gratitude for having won the award and expressed to become the best actress.

“Iam very happy to represent the Iteso because today I am the only one who has been given this award. Iteso let us be united, let us be on what we can do,” Ajibo stated.

She challenged the youth to always work hard, believing that they can always achieve their dreams and explore many opportunities of showcasing their talents.

Stating her humble background, she said that her journey to the film industry started at school when she won as the best actress in a certain school in Kampala.

The event was attended by Iteso Cultural Union representatives and Soroti District LC5 Chairperson elect, among others.