Uganda’s film industry is getting ready for another major celebration as the Uganda Film Festival (UFF) returns from August 21 to 28, 2026, bringing filmmakers, actors, producers and cinema lovers together for a week dedicated to the country’s growing film industry.
This year’s festival, themed “Transformation: The Power of Local Stories,” promises a packed programme featuring film screenings, creative workshops, industry forums and networking opportunities. The event will also provide audiences with a chance to experience Ugandan films on the big screen while connecting with the creative minds behind them.
The festival will culminate in the UFF 2026 Awards Gala on August 28, where outstanding talent, creativity and achievements in Ugandan cinema will be recognized. The awards are expected to shine a spotlight on the filmmakers and industry professionals helping shape the future of local storytelling.
The return of the festival comes after its original 2026 programme was postponed in May following government measures aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
In a public notice, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) announced the postponement after receiving guidance from the National Taskforce on Ebola Response and the Ministry of Health. The decision followed a Ministry of Health circular issued on May 26 restricting mass gatherings in Kampala and surrounding areas as part of efforts to contain the outbreak.
The postponement affected the festival’s planned screenings, workshops and industry activities, as well as the Uganda Film Festival Awards Gala, which had initially been scheduled for June 5.
For Uganda’s creative community, the return represents more than the rescheduling of a major event. Over the years, UFF has grown into an important platform for showcasing Ugandan productions, celebrating local talent and creating opportunities for filmmakers to learn, collaborate and build professional networks.
With its focus on the power of local stories, the 2026 festival is set to once again place Ugandan cinema at center stage, celebrating the creativity and voices driving the industry forward.
Email:homelandnewspaper@gmail.com
