NUFA AWARDS 2025

Northern Uganda Film Awards (NUFA)

The Northern Uganda Film Awards (NUFA) is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to celebrating, honoring, and elevating the talent and creativity of filmmakers in Northern Uganda. Launched in 2025, NUFA stands as the region’s premier film awards platform, spotlighting the voices and stories that shape Northern Uganda’s cultural identity and cinematic landscape.

Organized by the Northern Uganda Filmmakers Association (NUFA), the awards aim to recognize excellence in various aspects of filmmaking—including directing, acting, cinematography, editing, and screenwriting—while also providing a platform for education, inspiration, and creative exchange.

Held annually, the NUFA Awards bring together filmmakers, actors, cultural icons, media professionals, and community leaders for a prestigious gala that not only showcases talent but also strengthens the local film industry and amplifies the stories of Northern Uganda to a national and global audience.

A Powerful Tribute and Cultural Call by Amb. Olara Otunnu at the NUFA Awards 2025

The Northern Uganda Film Awards (NUFA) 2025 was graced by several high-level guests, including the distinguished Ambassador Olara Otunnu, who served as the co-chair of the Roco Paco initiative. During the ceremony, Ambassador Otunnu took a moment to pay heartfelt tribute to some of Northern Uganda’s fallen heroes, including Lt. Gen. Paul Lokech, Ogwang Clipper, Col. Walter Ochora, Dr. Matthew Lukwiya, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, and Ladit Anenia Akera, acknowledging their enduring legacies and contributions to the region.

In his inspiring address, Amb. Otunnu passionately encouraged filmmakers in the region to engage with the Roco Paco initiative, a cultural movement dedicated to restoring the pride, identity, and heritage of Northern Uganda that was deeply affected by 25 years of conflict. He urged creatives to embrace authentic storytelling, warning against imitation and emphasizing the need to draw from the region’s rich cultural roots.

Amb. Otunnu also appealed to the Guest of Honour to support the burgeoning talent and creativity of Northern Uganda’s youth, noting that the region holds immense potential in the creative arts sector.

He concluded by expressing his sincere appreciation to the NUFA Executive Team, led by Ojok Odong and Moses Komakech, for pioneering such a powerful and visionary platform for filmmakers in the region.

Hon. Minister Betty Amongi Graces the NUFA Awards 2025 with Support and Vision for Filmmakers

It was a great honor to host Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, as the Guest of Honour at the Northern Uganda Film Awards (NUFA) 2025. In her keynote address, the Minister commended the organizers for their unwavering determination and resilience in hosting such a landmark event, despite the lack of initial government support. She acknowledged the significant effort made by the NUFA team to elevate the region’s film industry and celebrate its creatives.

In a remarkable gesture of support, Hon. Amongi contributed UGX 5 million to NUFA and pledged ongoing backing from her ministry. She announced that strategic financial support will be made available to filmmakers through a designated SACCO under the Ministry’s mandate, enabling creatives to access funds at a low-interest rate of 6%, thereby empowering them to grow their initiatives and businesses.

During the ceremony, the Minister also had the privilege of presenting the prestigious Northern Uganda Film Legacy Award to Akello Barbara, popularly known as Abony Sylvia Rose, in recognition of her iconic role in “Wek Abonyo Kwani”—one of the first pioneering films produced in the region. This moment celebrated not just individual excellence, but the enduring legacy and cultural richness of Northern Uganda’s film heritage.