Dec 15 2008
Ugandans Make History With Movie Awards
The lights were bright and the cameras were out last month as those in the film industry and community celebrated with the first ever Uganda Movie Awards. The event which made history was hosted by the Uganda Federation of Movie Industry at Hotel Africana on Saturday, November 22.
The event brought out over 40 Ugandans, Vice President Dr. Gilbert Bukenya and the Minister of Culture, Nigerian actor Ramsey Noah and many others. “Thank you so much for the support, for being here [and] for being part of this event is a great honor,” said Noah. The actor who said he made Uganda his second home had the audience laughing when he stated “next year I’m coming here to buy a house and marry my second wife,” he said was just kidding.
There were a total of 15 awards that were handed out at the ceremony. The first Uganda Movie Award was given out to Mugonza Bato for Best Director for the film City Mafia. Motovu Osman (Ensisinkano Y’ebizibu) took home the awards for Script Writer of the Year. Noah presented Jopseph Mabirizi with the award for Best Film of the Year, for his film Standing Alone. “Thank you Uganda Film Federation, thank you Uganda, thank you every one,” said Mabirizi.
“Ramsey I’m very very happy, I’m privileged [for you] to honor me with this award,” added Mabirizi.
The award for Best Film Actor was handed out to Diriisa Sebandeke. Best Film Actress was Aisha Kyomuhangi. Ramathan Kaggwa won Most Supporting Actor. The actor thanked God for his award. “I dedicate this ward to my beloved mom,” said Kaggwa. Betty Nabasirye won Best Supporting Actress.
Dr. Latif Abdu was awarded Best Film Artiste. The first film maker from Uganda Ashraf Simwogerere was awarded an honorary award; he was not present for the award.
The Regional Film Producing Company award went to Theatre Ambassadors. Video World received the award for Best Film Distributor of the year. There were even awards to recognize those in the media for their support of the film industry. Most Supporting TV Station was received by NBS-TV. The Ambassador of Germany presented the awards for the Most Supporting Radio Station which went to one of the supporters of the awards Ssuubi fm 104.9. The Independent was nominated for the Most Supporting Newspaper, but the award went to Bukedde.
The best part of the awards was the performances. A number of artists performed including Betty Mpologoma, Ronald Mayinya, Martin Angume, Sheila Nvannungi, Eddie Yawe, Sylver Kyagulanyi and many more.
The Vice-President of Uganda Dr. Gilbert Bukenya said the film industry was an important industry for innovation. He also said that the Ugandan government must support this important industry. The Vice-President said he would be meeting with the president of the Uganda Film Federation to see what the government can do to protect films and copyright laws.
“We are grateful for the very first time Uganda Federation of Movie Industry in Uganda had organized a Movie Awards. It’s not a past-time event, but the main issue is we intend to promote and build a strong film industry in Uganda,” said Kagalo Hussain, the Chairman of the Uganda Federation of Movie Industry.
“People are earning hundreds of billions of dollars from films. Just this year alone we have looked at a number of people spending more then 500 billion dollars just on one film. We are asking why should we be consumers not producers,” added Hussain. “Uganda Federation of Movie Industry is ready to help you achieve what you want, let us come together and build a strong film industry in the country…for those who intend to go into the film industry please first look for experts like [those] in the Uganda Federation of Film Industry. Makin a good film is not about introducing something extra ordinary….you can use the art you have, use the local content we have and produce something that is tangible,” said Hussain.
The first Uganda Movie Awards is an event that will not be forgotten by the audience members and winners. As the award show grows the first participants, hosts, performers, presenters, and winners will remember the first award show. During the show presenters also uttered United States President-elect Barack Obama’s words “Yes We Can,” and some saying “Change has come to Uganda.” Those in the film industry are picking up their cameras and making change.
