The award ceremony held at Hotel Africana in Moroto district saw filmmakers from Arua, Gulu, and Lango receive cash prizes ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 million shillings, alongside opportunities to enhance their skills at the Cine Art Academy in Kampala. The event, strategically placed in Karamoja, aimed to inspire the local youth to engage in the film industry.
Julianne Mweheire, Director of Industry Affairs and Content Development at UCC, highlighted the competition’s role in nurturing talent, recognizing filmmakers’ efforts, and attracting new participants from Karamoja. She emphasized the region’s potential to produce exceptional content given its rich cultural heritage and diverse features.
Encouraging Karamojong youth to embrace the film industry as a means of showcasing their region, Mweheire emphasized the transformative power of film storytelling in attracting tourists and fostering community development.
Danielle Aturo, an actor from Lira, shared her positive experience in the industry, expressing optimism about reaching international levels within five years. She encouraged youth to proactively pursue their interests rather than waiting for opportunities.
Ojok Francis Odong, Director of the Northern Uganda Film Makers Association, urged Karamoja residents to join the industry, highlighting the region’s unique resources that could expedite its growth.
Daniel Komakech, a filmmaker from Gulu City, recounted his journey since 2010, focusing on cross-border peace-building initiatives. His recent film, “Cross Border Peace,” addressed the impact of cattle raids, fostering peace between Karamojong and Acholi communities.
Local leaders in Karamoja welcomed the initiative, recognizing its potential to contribute to community development. Simon Peter Lokeris, State Minister for Minerals and MP for Chekwii County, emphasized the untapped uniqueness of the region and suggested that films could be instrumental in economic transformation.
Lokeris commended UCC for leading the way in awakening Karamoja to the film industry’s opportunities, foreseeing the potential for building relationships and promoting peaceful coexistence with neighboring districts.
In November 2023, UCC called for filmmakers to submit content for the Regional Film Competitions, covering the Northern, Eastern, Central, and Western regions of Uganda.”
