Uganda not in Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards

By Steven Odeke

Talk about Uganda’s nascent film industry coming of age was not backed when nominees for the second Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards were announced last week.

Although Kenya and Tanzania each had a film nominated, Uganda did not feature even once in the over 28 awards in 26 different categories.

Leading in nominations was Ghanaian film Contract, Nigeria’s Living Funeral (eight), Tanzania’s Siri Ya Mtungi (seven) Kenya’s Nairobi Half Life (seven), while another Nigerian film, Last Flight to Abuja, had six nods.

The Best Movie category had five nominees: Last Flight to Abuja, Contract, Living Funeral, Flower Girl and Awakening. Africa’s top stars like Stephanie Wilson, Veronica Waceke, Juma Rajab and Tope Tedela all got nods.

A new category, The New Era Award, will honour individuals who have made significant contribution to African film and television.

Actor Desmond Elliot, as well as actresses Kate Henshaw, Rita Dominic, Rukky Sanda and Uche Jombo were nominated in that category. Voting is open to all viewers and fans online on www.africamagic.tv before March 3, 2014 when public voting will close.