Veteran filmmaker and actor Andrew Benon Kibuuka has received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Uganda Film Festival Awards, where MultiChoice Uganda was also named Festival Champion.
The awards gala brought together filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, scriptwriters and other creatives to celebrate achievements in Uganda’s film and television industry.
Kibuuka was honoured for his contribution to Uganda’s film industry, while MultiChoice Uganda was recognised for its continued support of local content and the development of the country’s creative sector.
Other notable winners included Derrick Baka, who won Best Actor in a TV Drama/Series, and Diana Kahunde, who took home the award for Best Actress in a TV Drama/Series.
In the feature film categories, Florence Mariserena won Best Actress for Small Gods, while Michael Wawuyo Jr was named Best Actor for The Unforgivable. The film The Unforgivable also won Best Sound Design, with Simon Agola taking the award.
Full list of winners
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Andrew Benon Kibuuka
- Festival Champion: MultiChoice Uganda
- Best Screenplay: Ayeny T. Steve & Natasha Grace Gashumba — Adui
- Best Actress in a Feature Film: Florence Mariserena — Small Gods
- Best Actor in a Feature Film: Michael Wawuyo Jr — The Unforgivable
- Best Sound Designer: Simon Agola — The Unforgivable
- Best Actress in a TV Drama/Series: Diana Kahunde
- Best Actor in a TV Drama/Series: Derrick Baka
- Best Regional Film: No/Nedda — Central Region
- Best Documentary Film: Ekitiibwa Kyo’Bulogo
- Best Animation Film: Amara and the Spirit of Nyamagunda
- Best Short Film: Ifinity
- Best Production Design: Roka Stars, Magoola Jotham and Tumusiime Robert Uintes — Waka Waka
- Best Costume Design: Elton Gyaza — You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye
- Best Post-Production/Editing: Okoth Peter and Alibet Joshua — Adui
The awards formed part of the 2026 Uganda Film Festival, organised in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to promote the growth of Uganda’s film and television industry.
The festival has evolved into an important platform for recognising local talent, strengthening industry skills and providing opportunities for Ugandan creatives to showcase their work.
This year’s festival featured industry training sessions, workshops, mentorship engagements and screenings of more than 50 Ugandan films. The activities brought together professionals working in different areas of production, including acting, directing, cinematography, editing, makeup, costume design, sound and screenwriting.
Speaking at the Awards Gala, Colin Asiimwe, Head of Marketing at MultiChoice Uganda, said the company’s partnership with the festival reflects its commitment to championing local stories and creating platforms for Ugandan talent.
“Tonight’s awards are a reflection of the talent and creativity within Uganda’s film industry and the strength of the stories our filmmakers are producing. Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways through which communities preserve culture and inspire conversations,” Asiimwe said.
He added that Uganda’s film industry continues to demonstrate its ability to tell authentic stories that resonate with audiences locally and across the continent.
Through platforms such as Pearl Magic and Pearl Magic Prime, MultiChoice Uganda continues to invest in local productions that showcase Uganda’s culture, experiences and creativity to audiences across Africa.
Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of UCC, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the growth of Uganda’s film industry and commended the organisers, jury, nominees and winners for their contribution to the festival.
“The festival launched in 2013 and has grown significantly over the past 13 years, with increasing film submissions, improving production quality and growing international recognition of Ugandan films,” Nyombi said.
The awards come as Uganda’s creative industry continues to expand its contribution to employment, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, tourism and entrepreneurship.
According to UNESCO, Africa’s film and audiovisual industry has the potential to create more than 20 million jobs and contribute over USD 20 billion to the continent’s GDP.
MultiChoice Uganda said it will continue to support local content, industry partnerships and talent development initiatives aimed at strengthening Uganda’s creative economy and expanding the reach of Ugandan stories across Africa and beyond.
