The Uganda Film Industry

Evidenced by the flooding of the Ugandan media waves with Nigerian movies and South American soaps, the film industry here leaves a lot to be desired. On the few television stations where Ugandan films and soaps are aired, the quality is below standard

When you compare the American films, series and soaps, their quality, cast and plots are much more interesting and reel the viewer in as compared to their Ugandan counterparts. Also the Nigerians have come a long way in the past 20 years of movie production, in their film industry, Nollywood as we know it. Not only do most Ugandan movies and series have the same old boring plots but the quality of production is poor too.

But what is the way forward for this industry? A prominent film producer and actress, Mariam Ndagire well known for her films like; Down This Road I Walk, Dear Mum and the series; Tendo Sisters which have received international acclaim says; “Filming requires talent, passion and discipline. Hard work can turn the Ugandan film industry into the greatest employer.” Most of all just like Mariam Ndagire most people in the film industry require professional training and education in order to improve on the quality of our films.

The film industry in Uganda although budding is close to non-existent on the international map. Most of the movies and series produced are below standard, have the same old story lines
There is a general lack of originality and right from the plot to the acting and production unprofessionalism is apparent.

However, the fact that we do have a film industry is in itself a positive.With the professional training of the stakeholders in the industry and a lot more investment in film, the future can only be brighter.