The celebrations did not end with the 2026 Uganda Film Festival (UFF) Awards as Uganda’s film fraternity continued the festivities at the Filmmakers’ Soirée, an iKON Awards initiative dedicated to bringing industry professionals together to network, celebrate, and discuss the future of the country’s film industry.

Held shortly after the UFF Awards gala at Baoli Bar and Restaurant, Arena Mall, the soirée provided a relaxed setting for filmmakers, actors, producers, and other creative professionals to step away from the red carpet, celebrate their achievements, reconnect with colleagues, and exchange ideas.

Among those who attended were rapper and actor GNL Zamba, National Producers Guild President Matthew Nabwiso, celebrated actress and producer Nana Kagga, and actor Michael Wawuyo Jr., who attended alongside his father, veteran actor and iKON Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient Michael Wawuyo Sr.

The gathering brought together several winners and nominees from both the UFF and iKON Awards, turning the evening into a reunion for members of Uganda’s growing film community. Many of the attendees regularly meet on film sets, at premieres, and awards ceremonies, but the soirée offered them an opportunity to interact in a more informal environment.

The night was filled with celebrations and conversations about the industry, with filmmakers reflecting on their achievements while also looking beyond the awards to some of the challenges and opportunities facing Ugandan cinema.

Discussions touched on the need for stronger pathways for local films to reach audiences, increased partnerships within the creative sector, and creating opportunities that can help Ugandan stories travel beyond the country.

“Awards give us a moment to celebrate excellence, but the real value is what happens after the applause,” said Humphrey Nabimanya, Founder and CEO of the iKON Awards.

“When filmmakers come together, reconnect, and talk about where the industry needs to go next, we create the relationships and ideas that can shape its future. This soirée is about celebrating the people who are moving Ugandan film forward while creating space for the conversations that will take us even further.”

Matthew Nabwiso also welcomed the spirit of collaboration among Uganda’s creative professionals, noting that gatherings like the soirée provide an important platform for industry players to connect beyond their individual projects.

The Filmmakers’ Soirée is part of iKON Awards’ broader efforts to strengthen relationships within Uganda’s film industry by creating spaces where creatives can celebrate achievements while also having meaningful conversations about the sector’s future.