Uganda’s film industry is entering a new phase. Once seen as a small creative space, it has grown into a vibrant sector with rising talent, better production quality and stronger commercial promise. But industry players say the business side still needs serious investment, clear regulation and recognition of film as both an economic driver and a cultural asset.
This discussion took centre stage in the first episode of The Ugandan Podcast Season 4, held on November 22, 2025, by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in partnership with MultiChoice Uganda.
Brian Mulondo, Local Content Manager at MultiChoice Uganda, said the industry has changed significantly in the past six years because of steady investment in local content. “Since the launch of Pearl Magic channels, we’ve seen a major shift,” Mulondo said.
He noted that Uganda moved from having only a few professional crews to a wider pool of trained cinematographers, sound engineers and directors, largely supported by the MultiChoice Talent Factory. Uganda can now handle several big productions at once with no shortage of skilled teams.
Mulondo added that MultiChoice’s commissioning model has helped independent filmmakers earn from their work, improve quality and gain recognition on platforms such as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. After licensing, filmmakers also retain ownership of their content.
From the regulatory side, Ruth Kibuuka, Manager of Content Development at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), said the industry cannot grow without strong structures and policies. She explained that when UCC introduced local content quotas 12 years ago, broadcasters were ready, but the available content did not meet quality standards.
This pushed UCC to train over 10,000 filmmakers in scriptwriting, production, directing and cinematography. Kibuuka said film plays a big economic and cultural role and can employ millions while preserving Uganda’s heritage. She also stressed the need for better regulations on quality and intellectual property, pointing to UCC’s work with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau and the Uganda Film Festival.
TV host and producer Judithiana Namazzi highlighted professionalism as a major gap. She said many new entrants lack proper training, which affects the final product. She urged creatives to research, keep learning and accept feedback. “Excellence matters. When you take on a job, do it well. You never know who is watching,” she said. She also called for more visibility for women in film to inspire others.
Award-winning filmmaker Loukman Ali said Uganda has talent but still lacks a strong business ecosystem. Comparing Uganda to Nigeria, he noted that Nigerian brands understand the value of product placement, while many Ugandan brands still doubt the impact of film. This forces creatives to self-fund, which then hurts quality and distribution.
He also warned that slow policy processes are holding the industry back. “Technology moves fast. By the time policies are released, the industry has already changed,” he said.
Uganda’s film industry has the talent and potential to grow even bigger. But it needs more investment, better policies and a mindset shift among brands and stakeholders to treat film as a serious business, one that can boost the economy and shape Uganda’s cultural identity.
