The Ugandan documentary Memories of Love Returned, directed by acclaimed Ugandan-American actor and filmmaker Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, won the Best Documentary Award at the 11th Mashariki African Film Festival, held from 22–29 November 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The recognition marks a major milestone for Uganda’s growing film industry and highlights the country’s expanding creative footprint on the African continent.
The Mashariki African Film Festival is one of the region’s leading platforms for artistic exchange and cinematic excellence. The Uganda High Commission in Kigali supported the Uganda Pavilion and actively participated in the festival, which was established to celebrate and elevate African cinema.
The High Commission coordinated Uganda’s engagement to ensure cultural cooperation contributes to broader diplomatic objectives. Cultural diplomacy remains central to Uganda’s foreign policy, with initiatives with Rwanda advancing film production, talent mobility, cultural tourism, and investment.
“The Mission’s involvement reflects the Uganda Government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Rwanda while advancing cultural diplomacy and regional cooperation in the creative industries,” said Michael Bulwaka, Counsellor at the Mission.
He added that participation by Ugandan filmmakers aligns with national priorities to grow the film, music, and digital content sectors through youth empowerment, skills development, and the expansion of cultural exports.
Uganda also participated in the Kigali International Content Market, which ran alongside the festival. The platform brings together filmmakers, broadcasters, distributors, and cultural institutions from across Africa and beyond, providing opportunities for networking, partnerships, and market exploration.
“The Kigali International Content Market offers Ugandan creatives an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with Rwandan industry partners and deepen cross-border creative ties. We thank the Uganda High Commission for facilitating this,” said Godfrey Musinguzi, CEO of the Uganda Film and Culture Market, who led the Ugandan delegation.
During the festival’s opening ceremony at Serena Hotel on 22 November, founder Tressoh Senghor welcomed delegates from across Africa and highlighted the region’s rapid growth in creative development. The festival’s rising ambition was underscored by its decision to award both Best Actor and Best Actress categories for the first time.
A keynote address by Professor Martin Mhando, Research Fellow at the School of Media, Communication and Culture at Murdoch University, Western Australia, emphasized the socio-economic importance of cultural festivals.
He noted their role in shaping national narratives, strengthening regional identity, and creating sustainable economic opportunities, while highlighting mentorship, youth-focused skills development, and culturally grounded innovation as key pillars for Africa’s creative future.
As the East African Community continues to deepen regional integration, Uganda reaffirmed the importance of the creative economy as a driver of unity, innovation, and global visibility.
