By BigEyeUg Team
The Uganda Film Festival (UFF) 2025 celebrated the best in Ugandan and East African cinema, recognizing outstanding achievements in film, television, and animation. The awards night showcased the industry’s growing talent, creativity, and commitment to storytelling.
This year, two films—“Nkinzi” and “Kimote”—dominated the evening, winning multiple prestigious awards in key categories. From acting and directing to costume and sound design, here’s the complete list of winners:
Major Film Awards
- Best Feature Film: Nkinzi – Aidah Nalubowa & Rehema Nanfuka
- Best Director in a Feature Film: Rehema Nanfuka – Nkinzi
- Best Screenplay: Esther Nampewo & Rehema Nanfuka – Nkinzi
- Best Cinematography: Eric Wamasebu – Kimote
- Best Production Design: Joseph Mumpi Sserubiri – Kimote
- Best Costume Design: Nabakiibi Joan Jojo & Elgon Label – Kimote
- Best Sound Design: Norman Dhikusooka – Battle for Earth
- Best Make-up Design: Kebirungi Rose Lily – Kimote
- Best Post-Production / Editing: Zaed Matovu & Jemba Jonathan – Nkinzi
- Best Soundtrack: Byaruhanga Douglas – Fatal
- Best Film in an Indigenous Language: Kimote – Hassan Mageye
Performance Awards
- Best Actress in a Feature Film: Nakafeero Suzan Shamirah – Lama
- Best Actor in a Feature Film: Mendez Kintu – Kimote
- Best Supporting Actress in a Feature Film: Debie Kagisha – Fatal
- Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film: Masaba Roger Magona – Kimote
Television Categories
- Best TV Drama/Series: Damalie – Doreen Mirembe
- Best Actress in a TV Drama/Series: Agaba Joan – What If
- Best Actor in a TV Drama/Series: Derrick Baka – Beloved
Regional and International Awards
- Best East African Film: Wamaitha – Kang’ethe Mungai (Kenya)
- Best International Feature Film: When the Gospel Speaks – Motheo Madisa & Vincent Moloi (South Africa)
- Best Regional Film: Jimbi – Tusabe Ivan
Shorts, Animation & Student Films
- Best Short Film: Boundary Mwisho – Hakim Zziwa
- Best Documentary Film: Masaka to Toronto – Walta Gabriel Busulwa & Akello Isabella
- Best Animation Film: Lia and Origa – Dominic Dipio
- Best Student Film: Dinner for Three – Brian Adrine Kabogozza
Special Awards
- Rising Star Award: Kisakye Passion
- Viewer’s Choice Award: At the Edge
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Sister Dipio Dominic
- UFF Champion Award: Eng. Godfrey Mutabazi