Uganda Deepens Regional Creative Cooperation at the 11th Mashariki African Film Festival in Rwanda

Ugandan Documentary Memories of Love Returned by celebrated Ugandan-American actor and filmmaker Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, won the award for Best Documentary at the 11^th Mashariki African Film Festival, held from 22–29 November 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. The win marks a significant milestone for Uganda’s growing film industry and reinforcing the country’s expanding creative footprint on the continental stage.

Mashariki African Film Festival continues to be one of the region’s leading platforms for creative exchange. The Uganda High Commission in Kigali was a sponsor of the Uganda pavilion and participated in the festival which was founded to celebrate and elevate African cinema.

The Uganda High Commission in Kigali coordinated Uganda’s engagement to ensure that cultural cooperation contributes to broader diplomatic objectives. Cultural diplomacy remains central to Uganda’s foreign policy, and shared initiatives with Rwanda continuing to advance film production, talent mobility, cultural tourism, and investment.

“The Mission’s involvement reflects the Uganda Government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Rwanda while advancing cultural diplomacy and regional cooperation in the creative industries,” said Michael Bulwaka, Counsellor at the Mission. “Ugandan filmmakers’ and creatives’ participation in this festival aligns with Uganda’s national priorities to grow the film, music, and digital content sectors, particularly through youth empowerment, skills development, and the expansion of cultural exports,” he added.

Running alongside the festival was the Kigali International Content Market, a major convening hub for filmmakers, broadcasters, distributors, and cultural institutions from across Africa and beyond. Uganda’s participation enabled filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs to build networks, pursue partnerships, and access new markets.

“The Kigali International Content Market offers Ugandan creatives an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with Rwandan industry partners and deepen cross-border creative ties. We thank the Uganda High Commission for facilitating this,” said CEO of the Uganda Film and Culture Market Godfrey Musinguzi who led the Ugandan Filmmakers.

During the opening ceremony at Serena Hotel on 22 November, festival founder Mr. Tressoh Senghor welcomed delegates from across the continent, highlighting the region’s growth in creative development, including the unprecedented decision to award the Best Actor and Actress—an indication of the sector’s rising ambition and competitiveness.

A keynote address was delivered by Professor Martin Mhando Research Fellow in the School of Media, Communication and Culture at Murdoch University in Western Australia. Mhando underscored the socio-economic value of cultural festivals, noting their role in shaping national narratives, fostering regional identity, and creating sustainable economic opportunities. He emphasized mentorship, youth-focused skills development, and culturally grounded innovation as essential to Africa’s creative future.

As the East African Community deepens integration, Uganda reaffirms the centrality of the creative economy as a key driver of regional unity and global visibility. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue facilitating dialogue, partnerships, and institutional linkages to strengthen Uganda’s creative sector and enhance its contribution to regional innovation and cultural growth.