KAMPALA — The Uganda Film Festival (UFF) awards climaxed this Friday with an award gala overseen by Uganda Communications Commission and partners including Multichoice Uganda. The partly virtual event was held at Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Nakawa.
The event kicked off at 16:00 local time— with guests socially distancing as one of the top Coronavirus containment protocols.
The gala was graced by ICT and national guidelines minister Judith Nabakooba and UCC Ag. Executive Director Irene Kaggwa whose birthday was celebrated at the gala.
ICT Minister Nabakooba said there is no doubt that film is an important sector in the development of Uganda.
“The film industry is a huge sector, employing many Ugandans and bringing revenue to the economy. I believe that the industry is at a point of no return and is moving forward,” the Ministry said.
Eng. Irene Sewankambo has re-echoed UCC’s commitment to local content and said film speaks a universal language.
“It accords us a great opportunity to highlight our customs and tourism …UCC is proud to support the industry and is open to support any ventures in this direction”.
The awards kicked off at 7:00 pm with new and old faces scooping top accolades.
Actress Sarah Kisawuzi scooped the Lifetime Achievement award for her outstanding service to the industry while Raymond Rushabiro took home the Best Actor in Feature Film Award and Best Actor in TV Drama.
The biggest award of the night, Film of the Year (also Best Feature Film), went to Stain by Morris Mugisha.
There was more to take home than accolades. Some categories also had cash prizes.
For instance, Best Cinematography Award and Best Director, there was a cash prize of sh10m from Multichoice Uganda.
Best Indigenous Film – Damali The African Girl Child
Best Director for a Feature Film – Kizito Samuel Saviour for KEMI- The Final Tragedy
Best Documentary Film – I Won’t Kneel
Best TV Drama – Prestige by Nathan Magoola
Best Actress in Feature Film – Jojo Nitah for Stain
Best Actor in Feature Film – Rushabiro Raymo for Stain
Best Actress in TV Drama – Nana Kagga for Prestige
Best Viewer’s Choice Award – Tecora
Best Short Film – The Blind Dateby Loukman Ali
Best Student Film – Till Death Do Us Apart
Best Animation Film – A Thousand Fate
Best Supporting Actress in Feature Film – Keloy Loy Kemigisha for Kemi
Best Supporting Actor in Feature Film – Walusimbi Jefferson for Catch Out
Best Post Production (Editing) – Kizito Samuel Saviour for Catch Out
Best Production Design – Josephine Kabahuma for Catch Out
Best Cinematography – Izaek Ekuka for Stain
Best Sound Design – Ssali Shafik for Tecora
Best Costume – Ronah Ninsiima for Stain
Best Screenplay – Samuel Kizito Saviour and Josephine Kabahuma for Kemi