Mbarara is set to host a landmark moment in Uganda’s creative industry as the Western Uganda Film Producers Association (WUFPA) officially launches its inaugural Film Awards, alongside capacity-building sessions and a grand gala celebration.

The event, scheduled for Saturday, 18th April 2026 at Las Vegas Hotel, Mbarara, marks the beginning of a new chapter in regional filmmaking under the theme: “Celebrating our stories, Empowering filmmakers and building a sustainable creative economy.”

This first edition also commemorates nine years of regional storytelling, spotlighting the growth, resilience, and evolving talent of filmmakers from Western Uganda.

A FULL DAY EXPERIENCE FOR FILMMAKERS AND INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS

The programme will begin with a Producer Capacity Building Session (09:00 AM – 12:00 PM), featuring technical training led by the Media Council of Uganda, focusing on content regulation and censorship, followed by a dialogue on regional film industry challenges. The morning will conclude with networking and a group photo session.

Participants will then transition into a red carpet experience (12:00 PM – 02:00 PM), featuring media interviews, guest arrivals, accreditation, and cultural performances from BFI Cultural Troupe Kitanga and Rwankunoinoi Cultural Troupe.

OFFICIAL LAUNCH AND INDUSTRY DIALOGUE

The main ceremony, starting at 2:00 PM, will bring together key stakeholders from across Uganda’s creative and regulatory ecosystem. The opening session will include national and kingdom anthems, followed by a welcome address from Katabazi George, President of WUFPA.

A special “Industry Power Hour” will feature institutional presentations from major bodies, including:

• Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) – Intellectual Property & Copyright Registration

• Uganda Federation for Movie Industry (UFMI) – Collective Management & Royalties

• Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development – Creative arts and social impact

• National Producers Guild of Uganda – The role of film guilds in industry development

This will be followed by royal addresses from representatives of the Ankole Kingdom and the Tooro Kingdom, reinforcing the cultural foundation of storytelling in the region.

Key stakeholders from the Media Council of Uganda, Next Media, NCF, UFMI, and URSB are also expected to deliver remarks on industry growth, policy, and sustainability.

GRAND COMMISSIONING OF INDUSTRY STRUCTURES

A major highlight of the day will be the official commissioning of two strategic institutions:

• Western Uganda Film Producers Association Ltd (WUFPA) – Commissioned by the Uganda Communications Commission

• Western Uganda Filmmakers SACCO – Launched under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development

This milestone will be followed by a ceremonial cake cutting and the President’s address outlining the future direction of WUFPA.

​​​​​​​WUFPA AWARDS GALA NIGHT

The evening will culminate in the WUFPA Awards Gala (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM), headlined by Head Jury Chair Allan Manzi, who will present remarks and oversee the recognition of outstanding excellence in film.

The gala will honor WUFPA founders, key stakeholders, and present the top five excellence awards, celebrating filmmakers who have shaped the regional storytelling landscape.

The night will conclude with a VIP networking dinner, live cultural entertainment, and executive networking sessions.

A NEW ERA FOR WESTERN UGANDA FILM

The Western Uganda Film Awards are positioned as a transformative platform to elevate regional storytelling, strengthen industry collaboration, and build a sustainable creative economy that empowers filmmakers across Uganda.

As anticipation builds, WUFPA 2026 stands not just as an awards ceremony but as a defining movement for the future of film in Western Uganda.