Two rising filmmakers from Uganda Christian University (UCU) have taken the spotlight at the 2025 Uganda Film Festival (UFF), securing top awards in key categories and signaling a promising future for Uganda’s growing film industry.
Brian Kabogozza, a current student at UCU, won Best Student Film for his production Dinner for Three, while Douglas Byaruhanga, a graduate of UCU’s Journalism and Mass Communication programme—also known by his stage name Big Doug—clinched the Best Original Soundtrack award for his work on the film Fatal.
Organised annually by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the Uganda Film Festival is the country’s leading platform for recognising excellence in film production, acting, directing, and sound design. The 2025 edition once again shone a spotlight on the depth of young talent shaping Uganda’s creative landscape.
Kabogozza, whose filmmaking journey began in Senior Three at Namilyango College, reflected on how early passion and persistence helped shape his current success.
“I started with simple short films and never looked back,” he said. “When I joined UCU, I took it more seriously and began directing my own productions.”
His earlier projects—including My Degree, My Background, and My First Year—have already attracted regional and international attention, earning him nominations at the Ikon Awards (Uganda), Malawi International Film Festival, and a Student World Impact Film Festival win in the United States.
Byaruhanga, meanwhile, began as a minor actor in secondary school before gravitating toward music and film production. His award-winning soundtrack for Fatal has been commended for its emotional depth and technical finesse.
“Music and film speak the same language to me,” he said. “The award is a result of many years of trying and learning.”
The two young creators represent a new generation of Ugandan talent that is thriving despite the challenges of limited resources and funding. Their wins highlight the vital role platforms like UFF play in nurturing local talent and giving young filmmakers a national—and even international—stage.
“These are the kinds of stories we need to tell,” said one of the festival judges. “They show what is possible when young people follow their passion.”
At the heart of their success lies Uganda Christian University’s commitment to practical education and innovation in learning.
Geoffrey Ssenoga, a broadcast instructor at UCU, attributes their accomplishments to a strong academic foundation.
“UCU continues to invest in modern learning systems and skill-building platforms. With tools like the UCU eLearning platform and the Online Distance Learning (ODeL) model, students are being prepared for today’s tech-driven professional landscape,” Ssenoga explained.
The university’s continuous investment in digital education, hands-on training, and talent development has contributed to its growing list of high-achieving alumni—Kabogozza and Byaruhanga among the latest success stories.
As Uganda’s creative industry gains traction, stories like these serve as powerful reminders of the potential that lies within the country’s youth. Despite budget constraints and infrastructural limitations, local filmmakers continue to craft compelling narratives that resonate both at home and abroad.
Kabogozza and Byaruhanga’s triumph is not just a personal victory, but also a celebration of Uganda’s emerging film scene—one that is brimming with creativity, resilience, and global promise.
