MultiChoice, UCC launch film competitions to boost local talent
SOROTI, March 17, 2026 — Entertainment channel MultiChoice Uganda, in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission [UCC], has launched the fourth edition of its regional film competitions and capacity-building workshops aimed at empowering emerging filmmakers across the country.
As the programme gets underway, parents have been urged to support their children’s talents to grow the country’s creative industry.
During recent training sessions, participants were equipped with skills in storytelling and directing fundamentals, scriptwriting, acting basics, cinematography, contract management, and essential filmmaking etiquette.
The workshops are designed not only to enhance technical competence but also to enable filmmakers to transform authentic local experiences into compelling stories that can reach wider audiences.
Tony Ayoo, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on ICT and National Guidance, said the Regional Film Competitions are intended to decentralise opportunities and ensure that young creatives across the country can access platforms that nurture their talent.
This year’s competitions, held under the theme “Transformation: The Power of Local Stories”, began in Soroti for the Eastern Region, bringing together aspiring filmmakers for a week-long intensive workshop focused on strengthening creative and technical skills.
He also highlighted UCC’s efforts to promote local content, including requiring television stations to broadcast Ugandan films, some in local languages, to shift focus from foreign productions.
“If you see a child passionate about something, do not discourage them by assuming they will be spoilt. Let us support them to develop that talent,” Ayoo said.
Ayoo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kwania County, urged parents to nurture their children’s abilities, noting that the creative industry can generate employment and contribute to community development.
Soroti City Resident Commissioner John Michael Okurut emphasised the importance of balancing academics with talent development, noting that future success depends not only on formal education but also on practical skills.
He encouraged young filmmakers to start with available resources, collaborate with others, keep learning, use feedback constructively, and, most importantly, tell authentic Ugandan stories.
Ivan Jara, Regional Sales Manager for DStv in the Eastern ergion, commended participants who have won awards, noting that they are playing a key role in promoting local content.
He added that through the MultiChoice Talent Factory, the company aims to identify outstanding talent and sponsor selected individuals for advanced training in Nairobi in areas such as acting and scriptwriting.
Mercy Ajibo Ejau, who began her career while still in school, expressed pride in representing the Iteso community, noting that she is the only recipient of the award from the region.
She urged the Iteso community to unite, support one another, and pursue their ambitions with determination, encouraging young people to take their dreams seriously.
“If you have a dream, pursue it. Make sure you achieve it,” she said.
Zakaria Shinali Inyende, director of “Borrowed Womb”, who also won Best Smartphone Film and Overall Filmmaker, thanked MultiChoice and UCC for providing a platform to showcase local films.
“This win gives me hope that my films will reach wider audiences. I see my journey to Pearl Magic unfolding,” he said.
“Having a film shot on a smartphone recognised as the best is something I do not take for granted,” he added.
His debut film, “Acode”, focuses on child protection and tells the story of a child who uses a secret code, given by his mother, to prevent a kidnapping.
Following the Eastern Region launch in Soroti, the competitions will continue across the country, with upcoming events in Luwero [Central region], Arua [Northern region] and Hoima [Western region].
Winners whose films impressed the judges received cash prizes ranging from Shs 1.5 million to Shs 4 million, as well as MultiChoice Uganda hampers, trophies and certificates.
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