The youth-focused Opportunities Are Here Project has premiered a new psychological thriller, You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye.
This was premiered alongside the second season of its reality TV show on Saturday night.
The reality series follows the personal and professional journeys of young creatives as they learn, collaborate and navigate the high-pressure demands of film production.
The series captures the reality of building a career in Uganda’s film sector, from brainstorming and budgeting to late-night edits and final screening.
With mentors including actor and broadcaster Gaetano Kaggwa, filmmaker and scriptwriter Nana Kagga, actress and writer Cleopatra Koheirwe, and actor Michael Wawuyo Jr., the series will air on tv every Thursday at 8:30 pm, beginning on 10 July.
Supported by the Geneva-based UN small business agency, the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the European Union (EU), Opportunities Are Here season two builds on the momentum of its acclaimed first season, which featured creative minds from across the continent, including Nollywood star Dakore Egbuson-Akande and Ugandan actors Gaetano Kaggwa, Nana Kagga and Cleopatra Koheirwe.
Speaking during the premier at Motiv in Kampala, Jan Sadek, the European Union Ambassador to Uganda, expressed his admiration for the work achieved through the programme.
“Tonight marks more than the end of a project—it’s a celebration of what happens when young creatives are given the space to thrive,” Sadek said.
“Opportunities Are Here has transformed participants into filmmakers, some now gaining international attention. For us, this is not just about making films; it’s about investing in talent, creating jobs, and building futures. Uganda’s creative sector is vibrant, determined, and ready for the global stage—and the EU is proud to be part of that journey.”
Since its inception, the Opportunities Are Here Project has reached over seven million people through media and campaigns, with over 11,144 creatives trained.
This has further resulted in 13,595+ jobs created, with 135+ youth-led productions completed.
Raimund Moser, the Chief of the ITC Section of women, youth and vulnerable communities noted that the OAH initiative is about much more than producing a TV series.
He explained that it aims to equip contestants with practical knowledge in areas such as intellectual property, contract negotiation, and marketing, while also helping them build lasting networks.
“This is not just about the episodes—it’s about making sure young people gain real experience and the connections they need to thrive in the creative industry,” he said.
“That’s why ITC remains committed to supporting youth across different aspects of production.”
The premiere night also featured a new film, You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye, a psychological thriller featuring Hellen Lukoma, Mbabazi Catherine Uwera, Fidel Sankara, Allan Kutos Katongole and Nuwa Wamala Nnyanzi, among other Ugandan actors
The film was written, co-directed and produced by seven young filmmakers who participated in Opportunities are Here seasons one and two.
The team includes Kahbuya Vanessa (Kvan), Kavuma Vieri, Nodryn Evanci Kabuye, Elly E. Debuni, Illungole Emmanuel, Nsiima Chloe and Manirahari Colline.
This project brought together writers, actors and producers to create their first commercially viable film using a team-based approach, mirroring real-life production, guided by industry professionals, including Joel Tugaineyo (co-producer), Drake Steven Makanga (director), Loukman Ali (creative director) and Alex Ireeta (director of photography), among others.
In close collaboration with international film distributors, it was decided the film would be a thriller, a genre with high commercial potential.
The filmmakers will tour the movie in cinemas throughout Uganda from 18 June.
The Opportunities Are Here project, launched by ITC and the EU, is a creative industry accelerator designed to equip youth with practical skills, mentorship, and access to local and international markets.
Participants received hands-on training and worked in teams to develop artistic, commercially viable content.
