• The 4th Annual iKON Awards will be held on August 15, 2026, at Serena Hotel Kampala and broadcast live.
  • Over 200 films submitted, with 80% from across Africa, reflecting growing continental collaboration.
  • iKON Activate initiatives and new partnerships are strengthening African film distribution and cross-border productions.

The countdown is on for one of Africa’s biggest film celebrations. The 2026 iKON Awards will take place on Saturday, August 15, returning to the beautiful Serena Hotel in Kampala for what promises to be another unforgettable night of cinema. The ceremony will also be broadcast live across major media platforms, allowing audiences from across the continent and beyond to tune in.

CEO of iKON Awards, Humphrey Nabimanya, shares a handshake with a filmmaker in Kigali during the iKON Activate Kigali engagement, last year

This year’s edition is shaping up to be even bigger, with growing participation from filmmakers across Africa. Since adopting its “Beyond Borders” theme, the iKON Awards have steadily expanded their footprint, moving beyond Uganda and building creative bridges across the continent.

Through the iKON Activate initiatives, the awards have hosted engagements in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, with South Africa next on the list. These activations have created real opportunities for filmmakers to connect, collaborate, and share ideas in different markets. What started as a bold vision to unite African storytellers is now translating into meaningful partnerships and cross-border productions.

Legendary Ugandan actor Michael Wawuyo Sr shares a warm handshake with Nigerian producer and actor Ramsey Nouah during last year’s iKON Activate engagement in Nigeria

The response has been overwhelming. With increasing interest from international filmmakers eager to take part, organisers made the decision to move the main awards ceremony from March to August. The change allows more creatives from across Africa to participate fully in the process.

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The numbers speak for themselves. So far, more than 200 films have been submitted, and about 80 percent of them are from different countries across the continent — a clear sign that African cinema is not only growing but coming together.

Legendary Nigerian actor Kanayo O. Kanayo was honored as the “African Ikon of the Year” at the 2025 iKon Awards held in Kampala, Uganda, in March 2025

Beyond recognition, the impact of the iKON Awards can already be seen in real collaborations. Productions such as Dambe, which features Uganda’s veteran actor Michael Wawuyo Sr, and several co-produced projects in Kenya are just a few examples. The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between iKON and SIRA to support regional film distribution further highlights the awards’ commitment to strengthening the industry long-term.

Call for Submissions

Filmmakers across Africa are still encouraged to submit their work and be part of this year’s celebration. Submissions can be made via FilmFreeway.

Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor, affectionately known as “Mama G” was crowned African Ikon of the Year at the 2025 iKon Awards in Kampala, Uganda, on March 29, 2025.

About the iKON Awards

The iKON Awards is an annual Ugandan Film and Television event that celebrates creativity, excellence, and innovation within the country’s creative sector. Over the years, it has grown into a continental platform that recognises outstanding talent and projects, while pushing African storytelling onto the global stage.

With August 15 now marked on the calendar, all eyes are set on Kampala as the continent’s finest filmmakers prepare to gather once again under one roof to celebrate African cinema.