

Nisha Kalema’s Makula dominates Uganda Film Festival
The annual Uganda Film Festival took place at the Uganda Institute of Communication and Technology in Nakawa.
The eleventh edition was one that brought out filmmakers that are coming of age and newer ones—those that are still experimenting with the craft.
Thus, among the nominees, there were many who had been nominated for their first film and those who were seeking their third and fourth wins.
In Nisha Kalema’s second trial at production, Makula received the biggest number of nominations and didn’t disappoint on the D-day. The film took home awards for Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Director, and the biggest of the night, Best Feature Film.
Nisha Kalema could easily be Uganda’s most decorated actress and probably an actor as far as the awards are concerned. She has won both as an actor, writer, producer, and now as a director.
Makula is a film about a woman who finds herself trapped in an organ and human trafficking family’s home, where she thought she was coming for a marriage.
Other big winners included three M-Netoriginals, Jerry Ssesanga’s The Lions ofBuganda, Kevin Johns Nabukenya’s Soccer Heart, and Eleanor Nabwiso’s Christmas Together.During the awards, the Executive Director of UCC, Hon Nyombi Thembo, noted that the arts are a cornerstone of society and wondered why school competitions of music, dance and drama died.
Uganda Film Festival (UFF) was established by the Commission in 2013 as an initiative to promote a viable film industry in Uganda. The intention was to develop and promote the local film industry both locally and internationally, and to bring all the industry stakeholders together in a more focused and structured environment.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS OF UGANDA FILM FESTIVAL 2024
1. Best Short Film – The Last Shoemaker
2. Best Animation – Kataleya
3. Best Student Film – Scold’ Bridle
4. Documentary Film – Ghetto Mama
5. Best Makeup – The Lions of Buganda
6. Best Post-Production – Soccer Heart
7. Best Sound – Isiko Abubaker for Christmas Together
8. Best Costume Design – The Lions of Buganda
9. Best Production Design – Imran Musabbeh for Makula
10. Best Screenplay – Christmas Together by Nabwiso Eleanor
11. Best Cinematography – Alex Ireeta for Makula
12. Best Regional Film – TAAMA by Arthur Nsubuga
13. Best Supporting Actress in Film – Nakayo Veronica
14. Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film – Bwanika Felix for Ssekukkulu
15. Best Actor in TV Drama – Simon Base Kalema for Prestige
16. Best Actress in TV Drama – Doreen Mirembe for Damalie
17. Best Actor in Film – Edris Lubega for Half Life
18. Best Actress in Feature Film – Penny Peninah Nampanga for Maria
19. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – MICHAEL WAWUYO
20. Best Viewers’ Choice Film – Omukululo
21. Best Indigenous Film – The Lions of Buganda by Sesanga Jerry
22. Best TV Drama Series – Damalie
23. Best Director – Nisha Kalema & Dan Mugisha for Makula
23. Best Film – Makula by Nisha Kalema.