Producer’s Workshop: Building the Future of Uganda’s Film Industry Organised by National Producers Guild of Uganda.
On August 27, 2025, the National Producers Guild of Uganda gathered filmmakers, producers, and partners for an inspiring one-day workshop, an affirmation of unity’s power in shaping the future of Ugandan cinema.
Keynote and Challenges Addressed
The event kicked off with remarks from Mathew Nabwiso, Guild President, who emphasized persistent industry challenges: the lack of a cohesive film policy, the need to fortify guilds and professional associations, and the growing competition for attention from platforms like TikTok. He urged collective action to advance a dedicated content fund and strengthen the distribution infrastructure that ensures Ugandan stories reach wider audiences.
President, The Nations Producers Guild of Uganda - Matthew Nabwiso
Opening Reflections: Challenges and Opportunities
The workshop opened with words from Mathew Nabwiso, Guild President, who spoke frankly about the hurdles still facing the industry—among them the absence of a clear film policy, the need to strengthen guilds and associations, and the stiff competition for audiences’ attention posed by platforms like TikTok.
He stressed the urgency of building stronger distribution channels and securing a content fund to give Ugandan stories the visibility and reach they deserve. His message was clear: working collectively is not optional—it’s essential for survival and growth.
Nurturing the Next Generation
That spirit of collective action was also evident in the guild’s commitment to mentorship and knowledge transfer. Beyond the conversations in the room, initiatives such as regional workshops and school engagements are already underway.
At Seroma High School, for instance, a film school has been introduced within the film clubs, allowing students to explore storytelling not just as a hobby but as a viable career path. These efforts are not just about training—they are about carrying the entire industry forward by nurturing fresh voices and inspiring the next generation.
Structure, Registration, and Intellectual Property
Representatives from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) emphasized the vital role of business registration, not only as a pathway for personal growth but also as a means of strengthening the credibility of the entire industry.
They highlighted critical conversations on copyright and intellectual property, underscoring that safeguarding one’s creative work is key to protecting the wider creative community. Discussions around content development, piracy, and intellectual property reinforced one central truth: when the work of a single filmmaker is protected, the collective voice of Ugandan cinema grows stronger.
As Rinaldi Jamugisha of Multichoice noted, piracy remains a major threat: it not only devalues creators’ efforts but also stalls the industry’s ability to grow.
Panels on Storytelling and Distribution
The panels underscored that unity and originality must go hand in hand. As Brian Mulondo emphasized, the story remains the ultimate deciding factor in what reaches the screen, and proper documentation is not only a personal responsibility but also a way to enrich and preserve the collective body of work within the industry.
The second panel, with insights from Showmax, Kwiso Sauti Media, Play It Loud, Gand Flix, and Reach A Hand, opened vital conversations on distribution and streaming. Their discussions highlighted that meaningful collaboration between producers, distributors, and platforms is the key to unlocking wider opportunities and positioning Ugandan films on both local and global stages.
This workshop was made possible through the support of Multichoice, URSB, the Uganda Communication Commission, DStv, and GOtv partners, whose commitment reflects a shared belief that Uganda’s film industry can only flourish when organizations and creators work hand in hand.
By the close of the day, one message rang clear: the future of Ugandan film lies in togetherness. From shaping policy and nurturing young talent in schools to combating piracy and strengthening distribution networks, every step forward demands collaboration.
The National Producers Guild of Uganda has shown that when filmmakers stand united, the industry doesn’t just survive—it grows, inspires, and secures its rightful place on the global stage.
Written by Muhumuza Michelle