A throwback to a red carpet moment that was more than just fashion, it was heritage in motion. Every look told a story, and every step carried culture at last year’s iKon Awards.
#iKONAwards2026
The growth of Uganda’s film industry is increasingly being driven by talented young creatives who are turning opportunities into success stories. One such filmmaker is Issa Masadde Yusuf from Kawempe, whose journey demonstrates the powerful impact of targeted support and investment in the creative sector.
In 2025, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) provided Issa with a grant of UGX 20 million to purchase cameras and equip his production studio. The support was aimed at empowering promising young filmmakers with the tools needed to enhance their craft and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s growing creative economy.
Just months later, the results are already evident. The equipment has been put to active use, enabling Issa to produce high-quality work while strengthening his production capabilities. His progress serves as a testament to the value of investing in emerging talent and providing creatives with the resources they need to succeed.
Issa first gained national recognition when he won the Best Actor award for the film Soccer Heart at the 2025 Ikon Awards. Since then, he has continued to expand his skills and ambitions behind the camera. His latest achievement is a nomination for Best Director at the upcoming Uganda Film Festival (UFF) for his film Maama Wange.
For UCC, stories such as Issa’s represent more than individual success. They demonstrate the Commission’s commitment to nurturing Ugandan talent, strengthening the local creative industry, and supporting storytellers who are shaping the country’s cultural narrative. Equally important is the accountability shown by beneficiaries who utilize resources responsibly and transparently, ensuring that investments translate into measurable impact.
Seeing equipment purchased through UCC support actively driving production and creating opportunities for growth is the ultimate return on investment. It reinforces the importance of continued collaboration between institutions and creatives in building a vibrant and sustainable film industry.
As Issa prepares for the Uganda Film Festival, his journey stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when talent, dedication, and strategic support come together. His success is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the growing potential within Uganda’s creative sector.
Congratulations to Issa Masadde Yusuf on his nomination for Best Director at #UFF2026. His story is a reminder that when young creatives are empowered, Uganda’s stories can reach even greater heights.
Issa met Hon. Nyombi Tembo - @UCC_ED to show him his equipment
#MakingUgFilmsFamous
The love for mothers grows ever stronger as we begin the month of June!
Looking back at last year's #MaamaWange premiere, here are some of the highlights from a glamorous night that was years in the making, celebrating the resilience of mothers who work tirelessly to provide their children with the essentials they need to get ahead in life.
Speaking of giving mothers a head start, we are currently running a Maama Kit Donation Drive to provide essential pregnancy and birth supplies to mothers in need.
To donate, please use:
1️⃣ MOMO Code: 651219 (Daphne)
2️⃣ Donation Link: https://t.co/AN4r1dXC4L
#MaamaWange #ReachAHandAfrica
The cast and crew of #MaamaWange is thankful for the full house turnout tonight and many nights to come.
Let's keep advancing health, support & justice for all mothers through innovative methods like film.
#RAHUAt15#ReachAHandAfrica
This morning, I had the pleasure of meeting with a remarkably talented filmmaker, Issa Masadde Yusuf, from Kawempe.
Issa exemplifies the positive outcome when passion aligns with targeted support.
In 2025, the Uganda Communications Commission provided Issa with UGX 20 million to purchase cameras and equip his production studio.
It is incredibly fulfilling to see that this investment has yielded immediate, tangible results.
After winning the Best Actor accolade for the film Soccer Heart at the 2025 Ikon Awards, Issa has further honed his craft. I am thrilled to share that he has been nominated for Best Director for his film Maama Wange at the upcoming Uganda Film Festival.
At @UCC_Official, nothing gladdens our hearts more than seeing our support translate into tangible growth for the creative sector. More importantly, we are profoundly grateful to young creatives like Issa, who value transparency and account for the resources entrusted to them.
Seeing the equipment actively driving high-quality production is the ultimate return on investment.
Congratulations, Issa, on your well-deserved nomination for #UFF2026! The Commission remains committed to nurturing Ugandan talent and telling our own stories.
“Don’t tell, just show.”
During the Screenwriters Masterclass, Daphne Ampire reminded attendees that screenwriters write for the camera, and the camera is “deaf” it cannot hear thoughts or explanations. Every emotion, intention, and piece of information must be translated into actions, visuals, and behavior that can be seen on screen.
She also emphasized the importance of diagnosing every scene with a critical eye, stripping away anything that does not serve the story, especially unnecessary dialogue, repetitive moments, and redundant information that weaken a script. Every line, action, and scene should have a clear purpose and move the story forward.
#UFF2026 #UgandaFilmFestival
Being facilitated by the professionals @dialossekidde and Her excellency madam President @uganda56174 ,it’s not really common because we have really learnt alot.Thank you @UCC_Official and @UgandaFilm for all the facilitations 🙏
Last night, the cinema halls were completely filled as audiences came out to watch our film *Maamawange.
A heartfelt thank you to the @UgandaFilm and @UCC_Official for creating such an amazing platform to celebrate Ugandan cinema.
Most importantly, thank you to my entire team.
A beautiful night at #UgandaFilmFestival
MAAMA WANGE screening at Century Cinemax Acacia brought together film lovers, storytellers, and supporters of the industry for an unforgettable experience. ❤️
#UFF2026 |
Facilitating Day 1 Screenwriting session organized by @UCC_Official, @ugandafilmfestival and curated by @UGScreenwriters, the session focussed on Screenwriting as a business before diving into day 2 session "the art of Screenwriting. "
Today marked a strong and inspiring start to the Uganda Film Festival (UFF) 2026 Screenwriting Masterclass, as participants gathered at the UICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa for an engaging and insightful first day of training.
The workshop, held under the theme “Mastering the Art of Screenwriting,” brought together aspiring and established storytellers eager to refine their craft. Facilitators from the Screen Writers Guild Uganda led participants through key fundamentals of screenwriting, with a focus on story structure, character development, and building authentic narratives that resonate with audiences.
Throughout the day, trainers including Ampire Daphne Rubaramira Karema and Aloyo Annet guided discussions and practical sessions, emphasizing the importance of clarity in storytelling and consistency in character arcs. Participants actively engaged in exercises designed to challenge their creativity and strengthen their writing techniques.
The session also highlighted the significance of rewriting as a powerful tool in the screenwriting process, encouraging writers to continuously refine their scripts to achieve stronger, more compelling stories.
As part of the broader UFF 2026 agenda, the training reinforces this year’s theme, “The Power of Local Stories,” by equipping filmmakers with the skills to tell authentic Ugandan stories that can connect both locally and globally.
The workshop continues over the next two days, with more in-depth learning and collaboration expected as participants build on today’s foundation.
#UFF2026| #UgandaFilmFestival
The Uganda Film Festival 🔥📷 Organized by the Uganda Communications Commission, the session is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen storytelling and elevate the quality of Ugandan film. #UFF2026#UgandaFilmFestival
Had a light moment with @HumNabimanya .one of Uganda’s biggest filmpreneur, executive producer, founder of the @ikonawards , and a philanthropist
His journey remains an inspiration to many dreamers.
Looking forward to more constructive conversations and creative collaborations.