The journey of Maama Wange continues to inspire Uganda’s film industry. The powerful social drama, which emerged from the 2023 iKON Awards Young Filmmakers’ Fellowship, has now earned nine nominations at the 2026 Uganda Film Festival. As a result, the film has strengthened its place as one of the most impactful Ugandan productions of recent years.
Maama Wange tells the emotional story of a single mother living in the slums of Namuwongo as she struggles with the painful aftermath of sexual assault. At the same time, the film shines a light on pressing issues such as Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and teenage pregnancy. Because of this, the story does more than entertain. It challenges audiences to confront difficult realities that affect many young women and families across Uganda.
The film came to life through the iKON Awards Young Filmmakers’ Fellowship, an initiative by Reach A Hand Uganda that equips young creatives with practical skills and mentorship. Through masterclasses, workshops, and on-set placements, the fellowship gives emerging filmmakers the chance to learn directly from experienced industry professionals. After completing the training, fellows receive grants to create films that address important social issues.
Doreen Mirembe and Isa Masadde led the production of Maama Wange, while Sauti Plus produced the project. Since its release, the film has continued to earn recognition both locally and internationally. Previously, it won Best Film in the Short Film category at the iKON Awards and Best Short Film at the seventh Kaduna International Film Festival in Nigeria. In addition, the film received recognition at the Black Cat Award International Film Festival in Bolivia, where it won the Best Film About Kids category.
The success of Maama Wange does not stop at awards. The film will have its theatrical premiere on Mother’s Day, May 10th, 2026, at the Reach A Hand Uganda headquarters in Lungujja. Furthermore, Reach A Hand Uganda continues to screen the film through its Kwiso Mu Cinema initiative, which brings socially conscious Ugandan films to underserved communities and ghettos.
As Maama Wange earns more recognition, it also proves that Ugandan filmmakers can create stories that spark conversations, inspire change, and resonate far beyond the country’s borders.
