The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Hon Nyombi Thembo, has described the Uganda Film Festival (UFF) as more than just an annual celebration of cinema, calling it a dynamic platform for building national identity, celebrating culture, and uniting Ugandans through the power of storytelling.
Hon Thembo made the remarks during the UFF 2025 Appreciation Breakfast held in Kampala. The gathering brought together sponsors, partners, film creatives, judges, and UCC staff to celebrate the success of the festival’s 12th edition.
“In Africa, we do not just part ways; we greet, we walk each other home, we reconnect,” he said. “That’s what this gathering is, a continuation of the bond,” Thembo emphasized.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to UFF 2025, from sponsors and partners to the technical teams working behind the scenes.
“We are not just organizing events, we are building a legacy for Uganda’s creative future,” he stated.
Hon Thembo emphasized that film should not be seen merely as a source of entertainment.
“Film is a unifier, an engine for opportunity, and a powerful voice for culture,” he added.
This year’s festival drew participation from over 3,000 Ugandans, an indication of growing public interest in the country’s burgeoning film industry. UCC highlighted the creative sector’s pivotal role in empowering youth, instilling national pride, and strengthening Uganda’s presence on the global cultural stage.
Julianne Mweheire, UCC’s Director for Economic Regulation, Content, and Consumer Affairs, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the immense effort behind UFF 2025.
“UFF is not a one-week event, it is a year-long journey of planning, sacrifice, and execution,” she said. “Today, we simply say thank you.”
She applauded the creatives whose efforts defined the festival’s success.
“UFF 2025 was a true testament to what we can achieve when the industry leads. This marked a major shift, we did not just organize for the industry, we organized with the industry,” she stated.
Mweheire, also praised the commitment and hard work of UCC’s internal team.
“To Ruth, Shamim, Gonza, and Leonard, thank you for your passion and relentlessness. You have carried UFF for over a decade with grace and grit,” she said.
“If the creative industry knew how dedicated you are, Uganda might already have an Oscar or two!” Mweheire added.
She went on to commend UFF’s key sponsors.
’’To MultiChoice Uganda, thank you for standing with us year after year. And to MTN Uganda, you approached us, not the other way around. That speaks volumes.”
She highlighted the power of intentional collaboration and stated ’’Let’s not leave this industry to chance let’s shape it with purpose, together.”
Founded in 2013 by the Uganda Communications Commission, the Uganda Film Festival was created to support local filmmakers, promote the growth of Uganda’s film industry, and champion local content development.
Over the years, it has evolved into one of the country’s most significant cultural events, drawing thousands of creatives, actors, media professionals, and audiences. The festival features screenings, trainings, workshops, exhibitions, and an awards gala that celebrates excellence in filmmaking.
