The fourth edition of the iKON Awards will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the Kampala Serena Hotel, marking a major milestone for Uganda’s premier film and television awards. This year’s edition will embrace the theme “Beyond Borders,” reflecting the organisers’ commitment to strengthening collaboration across Africa’s creative industries.
Organisers announced the new date during a press conference at the Reach A Hand Africa headquarters in Lungujja. Unlike previous editions, which took place in March, the 2026 awards will move to December. The new schedule gives the organisers enough time to roll out a series of continental engagements through the iKON Activate programme before the awards ceremony.
The expanded roadmap highlights the growing ambition of the iKON Awards. Instead of focusing solely on the awards night, the organisers will host several activities that aim to connect filmmakers, encourage collaboration and showcase African storytelling throughout the year.
One of the biggest additions to the 2026 calendar is iKON Activate Johannesburg, which will run from October 22 to 26 in partnership with celebrated South African actor, producer and filmmaker Thapelo Mokoena. The programme will bring together filmmakers, producers, directors and other creatives from across the continent to exchange ideas, build professional networks and explore opportunities within South Africa’s thriving film industry.
Speaking virtually during the launch, Mokoena described the initiative as an important opportunity for African filmmakers to learn from one another while building partnerships that can strengthen the continent’s film sector. He said the Johannesburg experience would encourage collaboration that extends beyond national borders and helps elevate African storytelling on the global stage.
The organisers also confirmed that a delegation of actors, directors and filmmakers will travel to South Africa under the leadership of Joy Efe Odiete, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Pictures Entertainment Group. Registration for filmmakers and interested participants will remain open until August 20, 2026.
According to iKON Awards Founder and Chief Executive Officer Humphrey Nabimanya, the Activate programme has already delivered tangible results across Africa. He pointed to the Uganda-Nigeria collaboration that produced the upcoming feature film Dambe, directed by Nollywood veteran Ramsey Nouah and featuring veteran Ugandan actor Michael Wawuyo Sr.. He also highlighted a Uganda-Kenya co-production under the O3plus project, which brings filmmakers from both countries together to create stories that address important social issues.
Nabimanya said these collaborations demonstrate how iKON Activate continues to create meaningful cross-border partnerships while opening new opportunities for African filmmakers. Meanwhile, the organisers unveiled another major initiative that will debut during the 2026 roadmap. The iKON Society will launch as a premium membership platform designed specifically for creatives. Through the initiative, members will gain access to curated learning opportunities, strategic industry connections and resources that can help filmmakers secure financing and grow sustainable careers.
Beyond Johannesburg, the roadmap also includes the unveiling of the 2026 nominees, the nominees’ brunch, the iKON Africa Film Forum and screenings of short films produced through the iKON Young Filmmakers’ Fellowship. Together, these events will build momentum ahead of the main awards ceremony in December while creating additional platforms for networking, learning and showcasing emerging talent.
The iKON Awards have steadily evolved into more than an annual celebration of film and television excellence. Instead, they have become a year-round platform that promotes collaboration across African film industries, encourages knowledge exchange and strengthens the continent’s creative economy.
This year’s “Beyond Borders” theme reflects that evolution. As the roadmap stretches from Kampala to Johannesburg and eventually to London in 2027, the organisers hope to create stronger connections between African storytellers while positioning the continent’s film industry for greater international recognition.
Representatives from several partners and sponsors attended the announcement, including Kampala Serena Hotel, Uganda Airlines, UNESCO, Alliance Française Kampala, Black, Divine Resort, Zinule Coffee, Foton Motors, Mirembe Villas, the National Producers’ Guild of Uganda, ATS Events, Afromobile, Africa Creatives Alliance, Print Creations and Radiant.
The fourth iKON Awards ceremony will conclude the year-long programme on December 12, 2026, bringing together filmmakers, actors, producers and industry stakeholders to celebrate excellence in African film and television.
