Kampala’s entertainment scene is officially on fire as the Uganda Film Festival 2025 (UFF) kicks off in high gear with the most competitive nomination lineup yet.
A staggering 362 films were submitted this year — the highest in the festival’s history — marking a huge leap forward for Ugandan cinema.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) set the tone today by unveiling the official nominee list and launching the full slate of festival activities.
In a bold statement, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo declared, “The 2025 Uganda Film Festival launched by declaring the nominees. In total, 362 film submissions — a phenomenal increase from last year’s submissions. For us at UCC, every submission counts, and all those submitted are winners, but let the best eventually win.”
And judging by the caliber of nominees, the competition is going to be tight.
This year’s list features standout titles like NIKIZI, FATAL, and TWO PATHS dominating in both artistic and technical categories.
NIKIZI alone has nominations ranging from Best Animation to Sound, Costume, and Post-Production. FATAL and TWO PATHS aren’t far behind, each picking up multiple nods in key categories like Best Feature Film, Best Sound Design, and Best Student Film.
Some of the most talked-about performances include Sophia Nagwanyi in Intrigant and Vivian Kintu Lindah in Ruthless for Best Actress in a Feature Film.
Over in the Best Actor category, Prince Joe Nakibinge, Moses Muwanguzi, and the ever-impressive Kizito Simeon Matovu are grabbing attention for their powerful performances.
TV talent is shining too, with Agaba Joan (What If) and Mirembe Doreen (Damali) battling it out for Best Actress in a TV Series.
It’s not just about the glitz. The Uganda Film Festival is pulling out all the stops with a full calendar of events running up to the big night.
Film screenings, industry masterclasses, workshops, and a buzzing marketplace will create a space for creators and fans to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the art of storytelling.
All roads lead to the Gala Night on June 6th, the biggest celebration of film in the country.
And yes — the fans get a say, too. The People’s Choice Award is up for grabs, with top fan-favorite contenders like NIKIZI, FATAL, The Legends, and Asimwe’s Gift vying for the public’s vote. Expect fanbases to go all out in support of their favorites.
As the cameras roll and the red carpet countdown begins, one thing’s for sure: UFF 2025 is already shaping up to be a blockbuster.
With talent this electric and stories this powerful, Ugandan cinema is firmly in the spotlight — and it’s only getting brighter.
The Full List of Nominations
