Takeaways

• Over 50 Ugandan films will screen nationwide during the Uganda Film Festival from May 25 to June 4.
• Major cinemas including Century Cinemax, EMT Cinemas, and Numax Cinemas will host the screenings.
• The festival aims to promote Ugandan storytelling, expand film audiences, and support local filmmakers.

For ten days, cinema halls across Uganda will turn into a celebration of local storytelling as the Uganda Film Festival (UFF) rolls out one of its biggest nationwide screening programs yet.

Running from May 25 to June 4, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), through the Uganda Film Festival, will screen more than 50 Ugandan films across major cinemas in Kampala and other locations, further expanding opportunities for local productions to reach mainstream audiences.

The screenings will take place at Century Cinemax Acacia, Century Cinemax Arena Mall, Century Cinemax Metroplex, EMT Cinemas, and Numax Cinemas, bringing together feature films, documentaries, short films, and animations under one festival lineup.

This year’s program highlights the continued growth and confidence within Uganda’s film industry, with filmmakers increasingly embracing authentic Ugandan stories across different genres including drama, action, thrillers, social commentary, comedy, and animation.

Some of the films expected to attract attention include Longing to Belong, Mfuko The Duffle Bag, Waka Waka, Slum Bomber, The Blind Family, Maama Wange, My Faults, Am Sorry Mama, The Twins (Abalongo), You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye, Weak End, Adui, Boomerang, Against All Odds, Ekitiibwa Ky’Olubugo, The Unforgivable, Craw, When Power Turns, Batatu, Infinity, Ex-Convict, Blind Lover, Amara and the Spirit of Nyamagunda, Kalooli, Nyota Force, Muwawa, The Adventure of Pablo, Who Killed Captain Alex: The Russian Massey, Queen Kitami, and Mother Tongue.

Several of the productions have already been delivered to participating cinemas ahead of the festival, building anticipation among both filmmakers and movie lovers.

For many filmmakers, the festival offers more than just exposure. It provides a rare opportunity for local productions to enjoy theatrical exhibition in commercial cinema spaces, something that has historically remained difficult for independent Ugandan filmmakers.

Over the years, the Uganda Film Festival has grown beyond being simply an awards platform into a broader development space for Uganda’s creative industry. Through training programs, mentorship, screenings, and audience engagement initiatives, the festival has continued to bridge the gap between filmmakers and mainstream audiences.

This year’s edition will also feature the Viewers’ Choice category, giving audiences the opportunity to vote for their favorite films after screenings. Films competing in the category include Maama Wange, Adui, Longing to Belong, Waka Waka, and You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye.

The category is expected to highlight not only strong storytelling, but also the films that resonate most with everyday audiences — a key factor as Uganda’s film industry continues pursuing stronger commercial success and sustainability.

Supported by UCC and partners including MultiChoice Uganda, the screenings come at a time when Uganda’s film industry is pushing for wider audiences, improved distribution channels, and increased investment in local productions.

For audiences, the festival presents a chance to experience stories rooted in Ugandan realities, languages, humor, and culture. For filmmakers, it is another opportunity to prove that Ugandan cinema belongs on the big screen.

As cinema lights dim across participating venues later this month, the Uganda Film Festival will once again place Ugandan storytelling at the center of the country’s cultural conversation.