The inaugural iKON Society Creative Exchange was held in Mbale District on September 26, bringing together filmmakers and creatives from Mbale and the wider Elgon region.

The Creative Exchanges provide an opportunity for the iKON Awards to connect and interact with filmmakers from different regions of Uganda. The iKON Society, unveiled earlier this year, is a membership and subscription-based community platform for filmmakers, actors, and other industry creatives connected to the iKON Awards in Uganda and across Africa.

The Mbale gathering featured an evening of networking, poetry, music, and entertainment. Filmmakers shared experiences and lessons from their work while discussing ways to make better use of existing systems, strengthen their craft, and reach wider audiences with their films.

Among the filmmakers in attendance were John Elijah, Director of Black Golden Films; Mugoya Tommy Ticher of Weele Paapa Productions; Khakisa Irene and Gyabi Masumba of Nishosho; Zaki Chris of Shinali Films/GTS; Namboyo Isaiah of Mooni Films; Wesamoyo Douglas of SDS Entertainment; Christopher Khaukha of Mishtar Productions; and Nagudi Doreen Joan of Gudi Zone Filmz, among others.

“We want to create a sense of belonging for filmmakers and those within the wider film ecosystem, because only by coming together and being open to learning from each other’s experiences can we open even more doors and create opportunities for one another,” said Humphrey Nabimanya, Founder and CEO of the iKON Awards.

During the gathering, Nabimanya also announced plans for the iKON Film Fund, an initiative aimed at unlocking the potential of Uganda’s film sector through private investment and structured support.

The iKON Film Fund is a grant and support initiative created by Reach A Hand Africa through the iKON Awards ecosystem. It is designed to support regional filmmakers, with a focus on stories that celebrate Ugandan culture and promote Pan-African values.

“We want to begin providing structured support to filmmakers documenting Uganda’s heritage and amplifying Pan-African value systems,” Nabimanya said.

He added that a call for submissions will soon be issued, inviting filmmakers within regional guilds to submit proposals for films exploring culture, tradition, and heritage.

The initiative is expected to contribute to a more sustainable financing model for filmmakers while strengthening Uganda’s wider film ecosystem and supporting national development goals.

The 4th iKON Awards will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the Kampala Serena Hotel under the theme “Beyond Borders.” The ceremony will build on the collaborations and networks established through the iKON Activate engagements.