Uganda Film Festival 2024: Full winners' list

Nisha Kalema's "Makula," a compelling story about a woman caught in a human trafficking web, emerged as the night's biggest winner.

Nisha Kalema accepts a plaque from UCC's Nyombi Thembo at the awards pulse uganda

The film premiered as Kalema's second foray into directing and garnered a slew of awards, including Best Feature Film, Best Director (shared with Dan Mugisha), Best Cinematography (Alex Ireeta), and Best Production Design (Imran Musabbeh).

Kalema's achievement further solidifies her position as a multi-talented force in Ugandan cinema, having previously earned accolades as an actress, writer, and producer.

Eleanor Nabwiso's "Christmas Together" garnered wins for Best Sound and Best Screenplay. pulse uganda

M-Net originals also had a strong showing, with Jerry Ssesanga's "The Lions of Buganda" winning Best Indigenous Film and Best Costume Design. Kevin Johns Nabukenya's "Soccer Heart" took home Best Post-Production, and Eleanor Nabwiso's "Christmas Together" garnered wins for Best Sound and Best Screenplay.

Penny Peninah Nampanga took home the Best Actress in Feature Film award for Maria pulse uganda

The ceremony featured a speech by the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Hon Nyombi Thembo. Thembo emphasized the significance of the arts in society and expressed concern about the decline of school competitions in music, dance, and drama. Established in 2013 by the UCC, the UFF aims to cultivate a thriving Ugandan film industry by fostering local and international recognition for filmmakers and fostering collaboration within the industry.

Other notable winners included "The Last Shoemaker" (Best Short Film), "Ghetto Mama" (Documentary Film), "Scold' Bridle" (Best Student Film), Veronica Nakayo (Best Supporting Actress in Film) and Felix Bwanika (Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film).