Ugandan Film Wins Top Prize at Mashariki African Film Festival, Boosting Creative Sector Visibility

Kampala,Uganda

Uganda’s creative industry has hit an important milestone after the documentary Memories of Love Returned won Best Documentary at the 11th Mashariki African Film Festival in Kigali. The win adds international recognition to a growing body of Ugandan cinema that is gaining traction for its compelling storytelling and authentic representation of social realities.

The recognition also reflects increasing regional investment in Uganda’s film industry. Advocates for the creative sector say the victory should encourage stronger support for film infrastructure, including production funding, skills development and distribution channels that help Ugandan stories reach global audiences. Creators and policy makers alike point to this moment as evidence that culture is becoming a significant contributor to national identity and the economy.

Why it matters

Film is a powerful platform for national narrative and cultural diplomacy. Winning across borders positions Uganda as a rising creative hub in Africa.

What to watch

Whether government and private financiers use this momentum to scale opportunities for local filmmakers may determine how far the industry can go.