By Our Reporter
iKON Awards and Reach A Hand Uganda have unveiled the 2026 cohort of the iKON Young Filmmakers Fellowship Program at an event held on February 15, 2026, at the Reach A Hand Uganda offices in Lungujja.
The ten selected fellows include Mutya Manisuli Arafah, Sean Kalinaki, Kaitana Guma Davis, Fadhil Mahad, Ashiraf Kanunu, Ray Edward Muhumuza, Sanyu Elizabeth, Elly E. Debuni, Nuwagaba Patience and Nantambi Consolanta.
They will undergo eight months of intensive film masterclasses aimed at strengthening their skills in production, directing, editing, screenwriting, acting and other key areas of filmmaking.
The fellows will be mentored by seasoned industry professionals including Alex Ireeta, Nana Kagga, Grace N. Emute, Matovu Martin Eric, Michael Wawuyo Sr, Mulindwa Richard, Jackie Katusiime, Lucky Lora Atwine and Pamela Keryeko.
In his remarks, Charles Owekmeno, Reach A Hand, Board Chairperson emphasized the transformative power of film in shaping young people’s mindset and economic potential.
“At Reach A Hand Uganda, what we do is influence young people’s behaviour, mindset and economic development. And there is no stronger tool to influence youth today than film,” he said.
He also encouraged them to make films that relate to the African audience. “We need to tell our stories through film. We are giving you the battery, it is up to you to make it shine. I challenge you to create films that compete at the international level.”
He stressed that collaboration continues to be the gateway to the international frontier. “We are not collaborating enough to compete at that level, regardless of the talent we have,” he said, adding that, “even when we tell difficult stories, we must also tell positive ones. Positive stories create positive progress.”
Industry dialogue
The unveiling event also convened multisectoral stakeholders in a dialogue on how to leverage VJing to enhance the growth and sustainability of Uganda’s film industry. Veteran VJ Junior (Mary Smarts Matovu) called for working relationships between video jockers and filmmakers to promote the industry.
“For a long time, I have called on filmmakers to collaborate with us. VJs understand audience tastes because we interact directly with viewers. So, filmmakers need to involve VJs early in the production process,” he said.
He also noted that film consumption in Uganda has grown significantly in the digital era, particularly due to social media, and encouraged filmmakers to take advantage of these platforms.
“The market has increased because content is the new currency. For instance, TikTok is a good platform to promote movies,” he said.
He concluded with a powerful reminder: “There is no completely new story. What matters is how you plan and present it.”
iKON Fellowship Program record
Over the past three years, the iKON Fellowship has produced 30 short films, several of which have earned regional and international recognition. Humphrey Nabimanya, CEO, iKON Awards, and championing industry growth in Uganda reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to building globally competitive storytellers.
Previous fellows also shared their experiences in a panel discussion.
Nansubuga Roda Segane, last year’s iKON Film Fellow winner, described the programme as transformative. “It was an amazing experience,” she said. “We had to put aside our differences, and we managed to produce a film that won an award. It was through collaboration, learning and unlearning; telling stories you truly understand. Don’t borrow narratives you cannot handle.”
The fellowship’s impact is evident in past achievements. In 2024, Birungu Rose won Best Viewer’s Choice and earned her a study opportunity in Nigeria. In 2023, Masadde Issa’s film Mama Wange won Best Film and went on to secure 15 nominations, including recognition at the Uganda Film Festival, the Kaduna Awards (Kaduna International Film Festival) in Nigeria, and festivals in India and South Africa.
The discussion also explored how filmmakers can generate income. Participants highlighted film festivals, organized screenings, strategic collaborations, networking and strong marketing strategies as key pathways to monetisation.