iKON Awards and Reach A Hand launch filmmakers fellowship
2026-03-03 - 15:38
Uganda’s film industry received a fresh injection of talent and ambition as the iKON Awards, in partnership with Reach A Hand Uganda, unveiled the 2026 cohort of the iKON Young Filmmakers Fellowship Program. The announcement was made at a gathering held at Reach A Hand Uganda’s offices in Lungujja, bringing together creatives, mentors, and multisectoral stakeholders. Ten emerging filmmakers were selected for the eight-month fellowship: Mutya Manisuli Arafah, Sean Kalinaki, Kaitana Guma Davis, Fadhil Mahad, Ashiraf Kanunu, Ray Edward Muhumuza, Sanyu Elizabeth, Elly E. Debuni, Nuwagaba Patience and Nantambi Consolanta. The cohort will undertake intensive masterclasses designed to sharpen competencies in directing, screenwriting, production, editing, acting and content development. Participants will be guided by a panel of industry mentors such as Alex Ireeta, Nana Kagga, Grace N. Emute, Matovu Martin Eric, Michael Wawuyo Sr, Mulindwa Richard, Jackie Katusiime, Lucky Lora Atwine and Pamela Keryeko. “At Reach A Hand Uganda, our work centres on influencing young people’s behaviour, mindset and economic development. There is no stronger tool today to influence youth than film,” Charles Owekmeno, Chairperson at Reach A Hand Uganda said. Beyond the cohort unveiling, the event convened a strategic dialogue on how to leverage VJing -Uganda’s unique video jockey culture – to drive sustainability in the film industry. Veteran VJ Junior, born Mary Smarts Matovu, called for stronger partnerships between video jockeys and filmmakers. “For a long time, I have called on filmmakers to collaborate with us. VJs understand audience tastes because we interact directly with viewers. Filmmakers should involve VJs early in the production process,” he said. He also pointed to the rapid transformation of film consumption in the digital age, noting that social media platforms have significantly expanded the market. Platforms like TikTok, he said, offer powerful promotional opportunities for local productions. “The market has increased because content is the new currency,” he observed. “There is no completely new story. What matters is how you plan and present it.” Since its inception, the iKON Fellowship Program has steadily built a reputation as a launchpad for promising storytellers. Over the past three years, the programme has supported the production of 30 short films, several of which have gained regional and international recognition. Humphrey Nabimanya, CEO of the iKON Awards, reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to nurturing globally competitive creatives and strengthening Uganda’s film ecosystem. With the 2026 fellowship cohort, expectations are high. The young filmmakers stand at the threshold of opportunity to shape narratives that reflect Uganda’s realities, aspirations and creative brilliance on screens.