UCC Hails Film Industry’s Role in Job Creation, Tourism & Global Recognition

The Uganda Film Festival (UFF) has marked its 13th anniversary of promoting local talent, creating jobs, boosting tourism, promoting national identity, enhancing Uganda’s image globally, and driving economic development.

An initiative of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the Uganda Film Festival is an annual event aimed at promoting and celebrating the Ugandan film industry.

It serves as a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, engage in capacity-building activities, and receive recognition for their contributions to the film industry.

Every year, UCC organizes UFF awards where films, actors, actresses, directors, and others walk away with awards accompanied by millions of shillings.

Speaking at the Uganda Film Festival grand finale and award ceremony in Kampala on Friday, the UCC Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo, applauded the role of the film industry in promoting economic growth.

“As you have seen in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, India, and the United States, a well-developed film industry can significantly contribute to economic development. It generates employment, especially for the youth, boosts tourism, promotes cultures, and enhances national identity,” he said.

“We are proud of the progress Uganda Film Festival has made over the past 12 years. Film submissions continue to grow, which is a clear vote of confidence in this festival. Even more importantly, the quality of productions continues to improve, with more Ugandan films now gaining recognition at major international festivals,” he added.

To ensure that these gains are shared nationally, Nyombi announced that UCC recently expanded its reach and impact in the country by introducing regional film competitions.

“Early this year, we held these competitions in Ntungamo (western region), Mubende (central region), Tororo (eastern region), and Lira (northern region) as part of our pre-Uganda Film Festival 2025 activities,” he said.

The competitions also included free community film screenings to promote local content and empower regional content creators.

UCC has made a significant investment in capacity building to train thousands of filmmakers across Uganda.

“All these efforts reaffirm our commitment to nurturing a dynamic, sustainable, and profitable film industry. Our filmmakers deserve a platform to tell authentic Ugandan stories, inspire communities, and contribute to a growing economy,” Nyombi said.

The Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, described the film as one of Uganda’s best-kept secrets.

“For a long time, the older generations, including leaders, never considered this as a meaningful career path. In fact, you would be considered a spoiled child if you insisted on going into acting for a living. The same applied to music and even in sports.”

She, however, added that times have changed, adding that filmmakers earn much more than many of the most respected professions.

Apart from being a source of livelihood, the film industry today is seen as a platform for education and empowerment.

Ssebugwawo said that film has emerged as a very important platform with significant implications for society, the economy, and cultures.

“The fact that this industry provides employment opportunities for mostly our youth emphasizes its importance as part of our national development agenda. That explains why film is now a priority for the government,” she said.

“If supported, film can contribute a great deal to Uganda’s economic development. The film industry is important in the promotion and preservation of our culture, as well as shaping people’s way of thinking.”

She applauded the Uganda Communications Commission for its dedicated support to the film industry sector, including skills training, capacity building, and attracting local viewers.

“Ugandan films are crossing borders to regional and international markets. Ugandan filmmakers are making us proud, marketing our country internationally, and attracting more investors and tourists. Our stories and cultures are being told, and our talent is being recognized. That is something to be proud of,” Ssebugwawo said.