CENTA PRODUCTION UNVEILS CAST FOR NEW WEB SERIES
A while ago, there was a casting call by Centa Productions @CentaPro_ for different characters in their upcoming new show called 'URBAN SURVIVAL'. There was a lot of anticipation about who would make it through.
This morning, they have released the list of 8 actors who will play the characters. I must say, it's a star-studded cast lineup and I am excited to see what will be served.
I will share details about the show when I get them
#MakingUgFilmsFamous
UGANDA THEATRE EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2026 – WINNERS
Last night was truly monumental for the Ugandan theatre fraternity.
While the rest of the world marked World Theatre Day 2026 (24th–27th March), with the main international celebrations held in Luxembourg City by the International Theatre Institute, UNESCO, and the Theater Foundation, Uganda’s theatre community gathered on 28th March at the Uganda National Theatre to celebrate in its own vibrant way.
The event, organised by the Uganda Centre of ITI, featured a rich lineup of activities. These included a Copyright Symposium, the “Twali Banji” audio play installation by Betty Lunkuse, and “Balembezi”, an immersive performance that drew the audience into movement, singing, and orature organised by Lloyd Lutara
The evening culminated in the inaugural Uganda Theatre Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding achievements across ten categories.
Before sharing the winners, special appreciation goes to the executive committee whose efforts made the event possible: Aganza Kisaka (President), Kenneth Kimuli (Vice President), Charles Batambuze (Secretary), Julius Lugaya (Vice Secretary), Patience Nakamanya (Treasurer), and Vicent Sekasanvu (Project Supervisor).
Seeing multiple generations of theatre practitioners gathered in one space was deeply inspiring and as a theatre enthusiast (drama actor, director, teacher, consumer) myself, it was a proud moment to witness.
Full Winners List
1. Best Light Design – GAMPISI by Arafat Mugambe
2. Best Sound Design – SSEWATTI by Arafat Mugambe & Mariam Ndagire
3. Best Costume Design – THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA by Guy Jairus Zziwa
4. Best Stage Manager – SHE LOVES ME by Precious Nsimenta
5. Best Theatre Script – MAKE ROOM by Brenda Ibarah
6. Best Set Design – SHE LOVES ME by Kenneth Kanaabi
7. Best Actor (Male) – Ronald in UNDER THE SUN
8. Best Actress – Tayo Shonubi in SHE LOVES ME
9. Best Director – Aganza Kisaka for SHE LOVES ME
10. Best Production – SHE LOVES ME by Yenze Theatre Conservatoire
Congratulations to all the winners of this inaugural edition.
These awards mark an important step forward for the industry. Recognition and healthy competition have a way of raising standards and this first edition shows the future of Ugandan theatre looks even more promising.
UTEA 2026 104 nominees from 23 productions at a packed Uganda National Theatre.
With powerful messages from Guest of Honour Peter Ssemakula and ITI Worldwide President Dr. Jessica Kaahwa, the call was clear: invest in theatre, invest in our cultural future.
“……my request to you all is that you share feedback to us about how to improve these awards” - Aganza Kisaka, President ITI Uganda Centre.
#WorldTheatreDayUG2026
Congratulations to Yenze Theatre Conservatoire -@YenzeTheatre upon the 5 year anniversary milestone. This is no simple achievement.
To @AganzaKisaka and the whole team at Yenze, i am proud of you as a colleague and a collaborator.
To the talents who have been impacted by Yenze, keep shining.
🥂 to many more years
@TheActingArena Committee led by @AganzaKisaka met up with the PGU Board represented by @nabwisom & @iammanzi in attendance, to discuss a strategic partnership for the #ActingArena Season 2, which is another opportunity for actors to showcase their range & versatility. 🎭🎬
#ONGOING: LIoyd Nyikadzino, from Zimbabwe, facilitating a Physical Theatre Workshop in the greenroom (UNCC). The workshop runs till Wednesday as the first of many activities lined up as we build towards the #WorldTheatreDayUG celebrations on March 28th
The Countdown Begins!
Ugandan actors will look good on screen until you hear their line deliver and you just switch off. Where's the voice work? Is beauty the only thing you have to offer when acting? Go get voice training!
MONOLOGUE WORKSHOP AT YENZE THEATRE CONSERVATOIRE
On Monday, 1st December, I walked into @YenzeTheatre Conservatoire next to Bukoto Heights, and immediately felt I was in the right place at the right time. Yenze was hosting a special workshop designed to help actors sharpen their monologue execution and strengthen their overall acting craft. The session was organised in partnership with The Producers’ Guild of Uganda (@pgu256), but what made it truly exceptional were the facilitators themselves. I know why @AganzaKisaka chose these facilitators.
The workshop was led by two industry heavyweights: Nana Kagga (actress, writer, producer, casting director and director behind major projects like Beneath The Lies, Nalwawo and Maria) and @iammanzi (writer, casting director, and director known for shows like Kyaddala and JDC). Both brought a wealth of experience, bridging international and Ugandan industry standards in a relatable and practical way. Sitting there, I couldn’t help but wish I had attended such workshops when I was just beginning my acting journey. It would have made those early steps far less daunting.
Nana shared invaluable insights on building confidence and the importance of believing in yourself even before you enter an audition room. She emphasised self-awareness; knowing your character type, your body type, and your personality, to guide the roles you pursue at the start of your career. Many actors struggle because they begin by chasing every available role, making the path unnecessarily complicated. She also cautioned against the habit of trying to please people at auditions. Instead, she encouraged actors to work on themselves so diligently that they become impossible to overlook. “Enter the room believing you are the best and the only one who can do what you do,” she said. Confidence is not optional but rather it’s a tool.
Manzi spoke in detail about his casting process, referencing his experiences on JDC and highlighting the story behind casting @mkiboneka (Uncle Mo) and @dianahNabatanz . Interestingly, both stepped into their roles because Richard Tuwangye and Veronica Namanda of Fun Factory were unavailable. Diana was a late addition, but her confidence, experience, and openness made her a perfect fit. Their performances later earned them Best Actor and Best Actress nominations. Manzi stressed the importance for actors to find performance partners they naturally blend with, as chemistry can create casting opportunities, especially for projects that require strong pairings.
By the end of the workshop, I had learned so much and I believe everyone in the room left enriched and inspired. This session served as a powerful prelude to this evening’s ACTING ARENA event organised by Yenze Theatre Conservatoire at Hotel Africana, Sipi Hall at 6pm. Entrance is 20k for students and 35k for adults. Actors will be battling for cash prizes; UGX 1m - winner, UGX 500k - 2nd Place and UGX 250k - 3rd Place. Come see, learn, network.
See you there.