iKON Awards unveil 2026 Young Filmmakers Fellowship cohort

The iKON Awards and Reach A Hand Uganda have officially unveiled the 2026 cohort of the iKON Young Filmmakers Fellowship Program, ushering in a new group of creatives ready to shape the future of Uganda’s film industry.

The unveiling took place at the Reach A Hand Uganda offices in Lungujja, bringing together filmmakers, mentors and industry stakeholders for what turned out to be more than just a ceremonial introduction—it was a conversation about the direction of Uganda’s storytelling.

Meet the 2026 Fellows

This year’s cohort features ten promising filmmakers: Mutya Manisuli Arafah, Sean Kalinaki, Kaitana Guma Davis, Fadhil Mahad, Ashiraf Kanunu, Ray Edward Muhumuza, Sanyu Elizabeth, Elly E. Debuni, Nuwagaba Patience and Nantambi Consolanta.

Over the next eight months, the fellows will take part in intensive masterclasses designed to sharpen their skills in production, directing, editing, screenwriting, acting and other core areas of filmmaking.

They will be guided by respected industry professionals including Alex Ireeta, Nana Kagga, Grace N. Emute, Matovu Martin Eric, Michael Wawuyo Sr, Mulindwa Richard, Jackie Katusiime, Lucky Lora Atwine and Pamela Keryeko.

Film as a tool for change

Speaking at the event, Charles Owekmeno, Board Chairperson at Reach A Hand Uganda, emphasized the power of film to shape mindsets and drive economic opportunity among young people.

“At Reach A Hand Uganda, what we do is influence young people’s behaviour, mindset and economic development. And there is no stronger tool to influence youth today than film,” he said.

He challenged the fellows to create stories that resonate with African audiences while remaining competitive on the global stage.

“We need to tell our stories through film. We are giving you the battery—it is up to you to make it shine,” he told them. “Create films that can compete internationally.”

Owekmeno also stressed the importance of collaboration, noting that talent alone is not enough. According to him, partnerships are key if Uganda’s film industry is to break into international markets. He encouraged filmmakers to balance difficult narratives with uplifting stories, adding that positive storytelling can inspire real progress.

The VJing conversation

Beyond the fellowship launch, the event also opened up a broader discussion about the role of VJing in the growth of Uganda’s film industry.

Veteran VJ Junior (Mary Smarts Matovu) urged filmmakers to work more closely with video jockeys, arguing that VJs have a deep understanding of audience preferences because of their direct interaction with viewers.

“For a long time, I have called on filmmakers to collaborate with us,” he said. “VJs understand audience tastes. Filmmakers need to involve us early in the production process.”

He also pointed to the growing impact of digital platforms, saying the shift to social media has significantly expanded film consumption in Uganda.

“The market has increased because content is the new currency. TikTok, for instance, is a good platform to promote movies,” he noted.

His message to the fellows was simple but powerful: originality lies not in inventing completely new stories, but in how those stories are told.

“There is no completely new story. What matters is how you plan and present it,” he said.

A track record of impact

Over the past three years, the iKON Fellowship has produced 30 short films, several of which have earned recognition both regionally and internationally.

Humphrey Nabimanya, CEO of the iKON Awards, reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to nurturing storytellers who can compete globally while staying rooted in authentic African narratives.

Former fellows also shared their experiences during a panel discussion. Nansubuga Roda Segane, last year’s iKON Film Fellow winner, described the programme as life-changing.

“It was an amazing experience,” she said. “We had to put aside our differences, and we managed to produce a film that won an award. It was through collaboration, learning and unlearning—telling stories you truly understand. Don’t borrow narratives you cannot handle.”

The fellowship’s results speak for themselves. In 2024, Birungu Rose won Best Viewer’s Choice and earned a study opportunity in Nigeria. In 2023, Masadde Issa’s film Mama Wange won Best Film and went on to secure 15 nominations, including recognition at the Uganda Film Festival, the Kaduna International Film Festival in Nigeria, and festivals in India and South Africa.

The conversation also touched on the business side of filmmaking. Participants highlighted film festivals, organised screenings, strategic partnerships, networking and strong marketing strategies as practical pathways to monetisation.

About the iKON Awards

The iKON Awards is an annual celebration of creativity, excellence and innovation in Uganda’s film and television industry. The awards recognise outstanding talent and projects that continue to elevate Uganda’s creative sector both locally and internationally.

With the 2026 fellows now on board, the next chapter of Uganda’s film story is already in motion—and if the energy at Lungujja is anything to go by, it promises to be one worth watching.