By Hussein Kiganda for The Kampala Sun
Filmmakers rejoiced and shed tears of joy at the 10th edition of the Uganda Film Festival (UFF) held on June 2, 2023, at the Uganda Institute of Communication and Information (UICT) in Nakawa, Kampala.
The festival was a grand celebration of the Ugandan film industry, and it commenced with a captivating red carpet event at 5:00 PM. Attendees arrived amidst the flash of cameras and the excitement of selfies, eager to partake in the festivities.
Numerous filmmakers emerged victorious, basking in the glory of their well-deserved awards, while others couldn’t help but feel a mix of envy and admiration, wishing it were them who had received the honors.
Contrary to expectations, the seasoned veterans of the industry, who had been anticipated to sweep the awards in several categories, were left disheartened as newcomers triumphed, dominating the scene. The only exception was Nana Kagga, who refused to be overshadowed and claimed several victories.
In the short film category, the highly anticipated “Nambi,” which had garnered attention on social media for its exceptional editing, fell short of expectations as Godfrey Aine’s “Agramon” secured the award.
The Best Actor in a TV Drama Series category had two top contenders: the renowned radio personality Gaetano Kaggwa (Junior Drama Club) and the veteran actor Raymond Rushabiro. However, to everyone’s surprise, Amon Nuwamanya from “The Kojja” emerged as the victor.
Nathan Magoola’s long-running series “Presige” had been heavily favored to win the Best TV Drama Series Award, especially considering its consistently high-quality production and the fact that this was its final year on the screens. Nonetheless, a new series called “Junior Drama Club,” by Allan Manzi and Nisha Kalema, took home the prestigious prize.
In a delightful twist, Henry Nathan Katangole, starring in the movie “The Passenger,” triumphed over veteran actor Micheal Wawuyo Snr, who had delivered a remarkable performance in “Kafa Coh,” to claim the Best Lead Actor in a Feature Film Award.
The Best Lead Actress in a Feature Film category showcased a fierce competition among equally talented contenders. To the surprise of many, Tracey Kababiito won for her role in “Mukisa,” surpassing her mentor Nana Kagga, as well as Doreen Mirembe and Tania Shakirah Kankindi, who had previously won the Best Supporting Actress award in 2022.
The 10th edition of the Uganda Film Festival will be remembered as a night of triumph for emerging talents, as they challenged the established order and emerged victorious, showcasing the vibrancy and potential of the Ugandan film industry.
Well, below is the full list of the winners.
Best Cinematography in feature film – The Passenger by Izaek Ekuka
Best Costume Design in feature film – The Tale of Our Times by Signature TW & Derrick Kissinger
Best Production Design in feature film – Nana Kagga (Mukisa)
Best Make-up in feature film – Nabanja Hikmah & Nakibuka Shadia (The Kitara Chronicles)
Best Sound Design in feature film – Isiko Abubaker (The Passenger)
Best Screenplay in feature film – Musa Luswata & Doreen Mirembe (KAFACOH)
Best Feature Film – Mukisa
Best Actor in feature film – Katongole Henry Nathan (The Passenger)
Best Actress in feature film – Tracy Kababiito (Mukisa)
Best Post-production/editing in feature film – Isiko Abubaker & Daka Waira Emmanuel (The Passenger)
Best Director for a feature film – Geoffrey Kasozi (Mukisa)
Best Supporting Actress in feature film – Naiga Florence (Ganyana)
Best Supporting Actor in feature film – Musa Mwambu (When You Become Me)
Best Film in Indigenous Language – The Passenger
Viewer’s Choice Award – The Kitara Chronicles
Best East African Feature Film – The Taste of our Land (Rwanda)
Best International Feature Film – The Planter’s Plantation (Cameroon)
Best Short Film – Agramon by Godfrey Aine
Best Animation – Lost by Mulima Ashraf
Best Student Film – Silent Scream by Otim Gerald (Kampala Film School)
Best Documentary – Akampene Punishment Island by Catherine Bishanga
Best TV Drama – JDC by Allan Manzi
Best Actress in TV Drama – Diana Nabatanzi (JDC)
Best Actor in TV Drama – Amon Nuwamanya (The Kojja)
Life Achievement Award – Ndagire Mariam
Special Jury Award – Building 62
Ugandan Icon/Ambassador Award – Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine
