The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences welcomed its first Ugandan member to its members' list. The organization, which is dedicated to recognizing excellence in television programming produced outside of the United States, elects its members once every year. It was founded in 1969 and is based in New York City. The Academy is responsible for organizing the International Emmy Awards, which honor outstanding television content from around the world.

Members of The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences include television professionals, producers, directors, writers, and other industry experts who are involved in creating and promoting high-quality television programming globally. The Academy's mission is to celebrate and promote the diversity and creativity of television content across different cultures and countries.

So, what does it mean to be elected a member?

Being elected as a member of The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences means Amanya will have the opportunity to participate in the Academy's activities, including voting for Emmy winners, attending events, and networking with industry professionals globally.

Amanya, who is the Officer for Film and Cinema at the Uganda Communications Commission, has had great success in the film industry with one film to his name and several other achievements. Leonard Amanya is a curator at the Uganda Film Festival, excelling in film curation, communication strategy, and festival execution. Internationally renowned, he serves as a juror at esteemed festivals like the Zambia International Film Festival, the Africa Magic Viewer's Choice Awards, the Durban International Film Festival and many more As an independent film producer and director, his work, including Crystal -Countless Misfortune, had great success across the globe with nominations and awards at more than 20 film festivals worldwide and Flight to Extinction, a documentary about the Crested Crane-Uganda’s famous bird. 

This selection is another achievement unlocked for him as an individual and for us as a country.