When was iKON Awards 2025?
On March 29, 2025, the Kampala Serena Conference Center was abuzz with excitement as it hosted the 3rd annual iKON Awards aka iKON Awards 2025. This is a prestigious event dedicated to honoring excellence in Ugandan film and television. The evening was a grand celebration, bringing together a constellation of local and international stars, industry professionals, and dignitaries.
What was the mood like at the iKON Awards 2025?
The event commenced with an exquisite red carpet experience, where celebrities showcased their finest attire, reflecting the vibrancy and elegance of the Ugandan film industry. Hosts Flavia Tumusiime and Patrick “Salvado” Idringi guided the evening’s proceedings with charisma and wit, ensuring an engaging experience for all attendees.
Musical performances added to the night’s allure. Acclaimed Ugandan artists Afrie and Kenneth Mugabi opened the ceremony with a soulful rendition of their duet, setting an emotive tone for the evening. Later, Aziz Azion captivated the audience with his hit song Nkumira Omuwano, further elevating the celebratory atmosphere.
Who attended iKON Awards 2025?
The iKON Awards attracted a host of prominent figures from across the continent. Renowned Nigerian actors Kanayo O. Kanayo and Ramsey Nouah graced the event, underscoring the pan-African spirit of the awards. Veteran Ugandan actress Halima Namakula and esteemed filmmaker Matthew Nabwiso were also in attendance, highlighting the depth of talent within Uganda’s creative industry.
Dignitaries such as Honorable Nyombi Thembo from UCC and Benson Muhindo, Country Director of Reach A Hand Uganda, lent their support, emphasizing the significance of the arts in national development.
Memorable Moments and Speeches
A highlight of the evening was the arrival of event organizer Humphrey Nabimanya, who made a grand entrance accompanied by traditional drummers, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of Uganda. Nabimanya later took the stage alongside Ramsey Nouah to announce an exciting development: the expansion of the iKON Awards to Lagos, Nigeria, with the roadmap set to begin in September 2025.
Official list of iKON Awards 2025 Winners
The ceremony recognized outstanding achievements across various categories. Here is a comprehensive list of the winners:
Feature Film Awards iKON Awards 2025 Winners
- Best Film – Makula by Nisha Kalema
- Best Director – Nisha Kalema & Dan Mugisha (Makula)
- Best Actor in a Leading Role – Issa Masadde Yusuf (Soccer Heart)
- Best Actress in a Leading Role – Pelly Penina Nampanga (Maria)
- Best Supporting Actor – Bwanika Baale Felix (Ssekukulu)
- Best Supporting Actress – Nana Kagga (Maria)
Technical and Artistic Achievements iKON Awards 2025 Winners
- Best Cinematography – Alex Ireeta (Soccer Heart)
- Best Screenplay – Nisha Kalema (Makula)
- Best Visual Effects – The Lions of Buganda
- Best Production Design – Imran Musabbeh (Makula)
- Best Costume Design – Tazibone Solomon (Maria)
- Best Makeup – The Lions of Buganda (Nabakiibi Joan, Latifah Nabatanzi, Rutaro Abel)
Television & Emerging Talent iKON Awards 2025 Winners
- Best TV Series – Sanyu by Mathew Nabwiso
- Best Actor in a TV Series – Abbey Mukiibi (Sanyu)
- Best Actress in a TV Series – Diana Nabatanzi (JDC)
- Best Emerging Film – Ssekukulu by Sharon Ishimwe
- Rising Star Award – Iradukunda Rebecca
- Best iKON Young Fellow Film – Take My Hand (Winner receives a free ticket to Nigeria via Uganda Airlines)
Documentary & Short Films
- Best Documentary – A History of Film in Uganda by Timothy Niwamanya
- Best Short Film – Jimbi by Tusabe Ivan
- Best Student Film – The Chicken Thief by Enock Timothy Jjemba
- Best Animated Film – Kataleya by Denis Junior Dhikusooka
Special Recognition & Lifetime Achievements
- African iKON Award – Kanayo O. Kanayo
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Abbey Mukiibi Nkaaga
Looking Ahead
The 3rd iKON Awards not only celebrated current achievements but also set the stage for future endeavors. The announcement of the awards’ expansion to Lagos signifies a growing commitment to fostering cross-cultural collaborations and recognizing excellence across the African continent.
As the curtains fell on this year’s ceremony, the Ugandan film and television industry stood proud, inspired to continue crafting compelling narratives that resonate both locally and globally.
Mathew Nabwiso Calls Out Unfair Taxation and Piracy during iKON Awards 2025
Renowned Ugandan actor, director, and producer Mathew Nabwiso took the stage at the iKON Awards to deliver a passionate speech about the challenges facing Uganda’s film industry. Known for his work in Rain, Imbabazi, and Kyaddala, Nabwiso addressed issues of unfair taxation, piracy, and the need for stronger government support.
He pointed out a glaring disparity in the entertainment sector, questioning why Ugandan filmmakers are burdened with heavy taxes while individuals who translate and sell foreign films operate freely. Looking directly at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) representatives present, he challenged them:
“Why are you taxing us heavily while letting others profit from foreign content without any licensing requirements? This is unfair to the hardworking Ugandan filmmakers who are struggling to grow the industry.”
Nabwiso then turned his attention to piracy, specifically the widespread use of unauthorized set-top boxes that allow viewers to access Ugandan films without subscribing to official platforms. His frustration was evident as he stated:
“If you are watching our films on illegal set-top boxes, you are a pirate. You are stealing from Ugandan filmmakers. Our work deserves to be paid for just like any other professional industry.”
To counter these challenges, Nabwiso announced the formation of the Uganda Film Guild, an initiative aimed at uniting filmmakers to build the industry collectively. He emphasized the need for collaboration over competition, saying:
“We cannot afford to work in isolation. If we truly want Ugandan films to reach the world, we must come together, share knowledge, and grow as a community.”
Nabwiso Demands Government Action during iKON Awards 2025
His speech also carried a strong message to the government, criticizing the lack of financial support for the film industry. He took direct aim at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, under which the film sector currently falls, accusing them of failing to prioritize the needs of Ugandan filmmakers. With frustration in his voice, he declared:
“If this ministry does not prioritize our needs, we will formally request to be placed under a different ministry—one that understands the importance of film and its contribution to the economy.”
Eddy Kenzo Vows to Speak to the President
Award-winning musician and presidential advisor Eddy Kenzo took the stage after Nabwiso, pledging to take the matter to the highest level. He reassured the audience:
“I will speak directly to the President about this. Our creative industry deserves full government support, just like other sectors of the economy.”
Patience Ozokwor Urges the Government to Support Filmmakers during iKON Awards 2025
Veteran Nigerian actress Patience Ozokwor, affectionately known as “Mama G,” added her voice to the call for action, urging the Ugandan government to step up. In a passionate appeal, she said:
“The creative industry is Africa’s pride. Uganda has immense talent, and the government must not leave its filmmakers behind. Invest in them, support them, and watch them take Ugandan cinema to the world.”
Their collective calls for change sent a powerful message to both the Ugandan government and the film industry. With growing demands for fair regulation, stronger anti-piracy measures, and increased government involvement, the next steps taken by policymakers will be crucial in shaping the future of Ugandan cinema.
