The energy at Serena Hotel Kampala was immense on Sunday, November 23rd, as the creative community gathered for iKON Activate Uganda, the official kickoff for the 4th Annual iKON Awards. This year’s edition delivered more than an announcement. It offered a celebration, a reunion, and a bold reminder that Uganda’s film industry is ready to rise Beyond Borders.
From the moment guests stepped into the vintage-glam setup, the atmosphere set the tone. The evening carried a playful mix of nostalgia and style. Laughter flowed, old-school hits revived memories, and creatives from different generations connected with ease.
After months of iKON Activate events across Africa, including stops in Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda, the Kampala edition brought the continent-wide momentum back home. These activations created space for collaboration and sparked conversations about opportunities that stretch far beyond geographical lines.
When the CEO of Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU), Humphrey Nabimanya, stepped on stage, he carried that vision with conviction. He applauded the RAHU team for their relentless effort. Then he challenged the audience with a simple truth: Uganda doesn’t need permission to shine.
“Why do we have to fight so hard to join the Oscars, Nollywood, and other industries?” he asked. “We realised that we must put Uganda out there ourselves so our film industry grows to the heights we aspire to.”
His message landed powerfully, especially after a year filled with activations across Africa. Everywhere the team went, one thing became clear: the world is ready for Ugandan stories. And Ugandan creatives have stories worth sharing.
RAHU Board Chair Charles Owekmio echoed that confidence. He reminded everyone that Uganda’s title as the Pearl of Africa comes from more than its scenery. It comes from the people, the icons whose stories shape the nation, and the awards are an opportunity to share these stories.
This year’s theme, Beyond Borders, came alive in every conversation. It speaks to a future where filmmakers collaborate across countries. It envisions shared funding opportunities, exchange programs, cross-border castings, and training pathways that help creatives upskill. It encourages directors and producers to expand their reach and explore new markets. And with more than 139 submissions received from across Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Sudan, Zambia, and South Africa, the movement has already begun.
The announcement of a new iKON Initiative Film Fund added even more excitement. Through a partnership with the OCAN Festival, this fund will offer grants to directors and producers who want to create bold, original films. For many emerging creatives, this support could become the turning point in their careers.
As the night continued, past winners received certificates that honoured their achievements. Their smiles carried both pride and hope because each recognition represented more than a win. It represented proof that Ugandan talent continues to grow, evolve, and inspire.
The party extended late into the night as guests danced, networked, and enjoyed the retro-themed experience. And while the evening reminded everyone how fun the creative community can be, it also emphasised a deeper truth. Uganda’s film scene is entering a transformative era. The journey toward the iKON Awards ceremony scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026, has officially begun.
