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The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has officially released the complete nomination list for the 13th Uganda Film Festival (UFF 2026), igniting excitement across Uganda’s creative industry. Announced on Friday, April 17, 2026, via UCC’s official channels, the list celebrates outstanding local productions under the inspiring theme “Transformation: The Power of Local Stories.”
This year’s nominations reflect the growing maturity of Ugandan cinema, with a strong emphasis on authentic narratives, regional diversity, indigenous languages, and technical excellence. From psychological thrillers to heartwarming dramas and documentaries, the selected works highlight how filmmakers are using the screen to drive cultural transformation and societal reflection.
You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye emerges as the frontrunner with a staggering number of nominations (reportedly 13–14 across major categories), while Maama Wange, Small Gods, Adui, Waka Waka, and Longing to Belong also feature prominently. The full list showcases both established talents and rising stars, proving that Ugandan storytelling is ready for the global stage.
What Is the Significance of the “Transformation: The Power of Local Stories” Theme at UFF 2026?
The theme underscores UCC’s mission to promote content that reflects Uganda’s evolving society while preserving cultural identity. Since launching the festival in 2013, UCC has used it to nurture talent, create market opportunities, and boost the creative economy. This year’s nominations demonstrate how local films are not only entertaining but also sparking conversations on issues like mental health, family dynamics, stigma, and regional realities — making cinema a true agent of transformation.
Which Films Received the Most Nominations in the 2026 Uganda Film Festival?
You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye (a psychological thriller following the obsessive journey of Kunihira, a complex Kampala slay queen) dominates with nominations in Best Feature Film, Best Director (Drake Makanga), Best Actress (Mbabazi Catherine Uwera), Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, and several others.
Maama Wange (the feature-length evolution of a 2023 short film exploring single motherhood and HIV stigma) earns strong recognition in Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and technical categories.
Other heavily nominated titles include:
- Small Gods
- Adui
- Waka Waka
- Longing to Belong
- The Unforgivable
- When Power Turns
- Sledge
Full List of Nominees for Major Feature Film Categories
Best Feature Film
- Adui (by Aveny T Steve)
- You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye (by Drake Makanga)
- Waka Waka (by Kacovia Julius & Nsamba Robert Posano)
- Maama Wange (by Doreen Mirembe Jnr & Isa Masadde)
- Longing to Belong (by Mariam Ndagire Kizito)
- The Unforgivable (by multiple creators including Francis Matovu)
Best Director
- Drake Makanga (You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye)
- Aveny T Steve (Adui)
- Mariam Ndagire Kizito (Longing to Belong)
- Doreen Mirembe Jnr & Isa Masadde (Maama Wange)
- Other nominees include directors of Waka Waka, Small Gods, and The Unforgivable
Best Actress in a Feature
- Mbabazi Catherine Uwera (You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye)
- Hellen Lukoma
- Nabaakiibi Joanna Jodo (Maama Wange)
- Jackie Katusiime
- Namakeeto Immaculate
- Chimpaye Florence Mariserena
Best Actor in a Feature
- Fidel Sankara (You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye)
- Michael Wafula
- Mushikoma Daniel Papa (At the Verge)
- Olot Bonny Olem (When Power Turns)
- Turinaayo Jonathan (Small Gods)
- Allan Kutos Katongole
Best Supporting Actress in a Feature
- Hellen Lukoma
- Nabaakiibi Joanna Jodo
- Annet Nandujja
- Namakula Hilda (Agatha)
- Nakitende Hasifah (Zahara)
Best Supporting Actor in a Feature
- Allan Kutos Katongole
- Mutumba Henry
- Obita Vincent Tyson
- Tom Ongom
- Biziman Hussein
Full Highlights from Technical and Special Categories
Best Viewer’s Choice
- Adui
- You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye
- Maama Wange
- Waka Waka
Best Original Soundtrack
- When Power Turns (by Piz Mulon)
- Wrong Number (by multiple artists)
- Longing to Belong
- Sledge
- Small Gods
Best Cinematography
- At the Verge (by Fauzia Mulimba)
- You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye
- Longing to Belong
- Waka Waka
Best Sound Design
- Sledge
- The Unforgivable (by Simon Agola)
- Longing to Belong
- Adui
- You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye
Best Costume Design
- Small Gods
- Maama Wange
- Waka Waka
- You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye
Best Post-Production/Editing
- Adui
- You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye
- Longing to Belong
- The Unforgivable
Best Film in Indigenous Language
- Small Gods
- Adui
- Waka Waka
- Maama Wange
- When Power Turns
Best Regional Film
- Borrowed Womb (Eastern Region)
- No/Needa (Central Region)
- Kabwendera (Western Region)
- No Safe Place to Call Home (Te Okono) (Northern Region)
Best East African Film
- Shiku (Kenya)
- Bobo (Kenya)
- Narema (Tanzania)
- Zama (The Struggle) (Kenya)
Best International Film
- Safari (Kenya)
- Eugene O’Neill’s The First Man (UK)
- In Other Words (Iran)
- Nelson Mandela: The Man Behind the Legend (Russia)
- My Father (Mauritius)
Additional categories such as Best Rising Star, Best Local Documentary (including Wanawake, Ekitibwa Ky’Olubugo), Best Animation, Best Student Film, Best TV Drama Series (Damalie, Kavule Town, Ties That Bind Us), and Best Local Short Film (Infinity, Mfuko the Duffle Bag, among others) further demonstrate the depth and variety of this year’s entries.
What Does the 2026 Nomination List Reveal About Uganda’s Film Industry Growth?
The comprehensive list signals strong progress in production quality, regional representation, and youth involvement. Initiatives like the iKON Young Filmmakers Fellowship (which birthed Maama Wange) and Opportunities Are Here project (behind You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye) are clearly paying off. With nominations spanning feature films, TV dramas, documentaries, animation, and student works, the festival continues to nurture talent at every level while attracting regional and international attention.
UCC’s ongoing efforts — including screenings, workshops, and the eventual awards gala — aim to turn these nominations into tangible opportunities for filmmakers, from funding to distribution deals.
When Will the Uganda Film Festival 2026 Screenings and Awards Take Place?
Selected nominated films will be screened in cinemas, on television, and at special events in Kampala and regional centers in the coming weeks. The grand awards ceremony and closing gala will crown the winners, with exact dates to be confirmed by UCC. Follow @UCC_Official on X and the official Uganda Film Festival channels for the latest screening schedules and updates.
This year’s full nomination list is a powerful testament to the vibrancy of Ugandan cinema. Every nominee — whether a veteran actor, emerging director, or technical crew member — has contributed to telling stories that matter. As the “hunger games” of Ugandan film begin, one thing is certain: local stories are not just surviving — they are transforming the industry and capturing hearts across the Pearl of Africa and beyond.
Congratulations to all the nominees! Let the celebrations and healthy competition continue.
Stay tuned to Kampala Edge Times for in-depth interviews with nominees, screening reviews, and live coverage of the Uganda Film Festival 2026.
