Northern Uganda Film Awards 2025 Shine Bright at Acholi Inn

Gulu City, April 25, 2025 — Northern Uganda’s creative spirit took center stage last night as thousands of filmmakers, film lovers, and dignitaries gathered at the Acholi Inn for the highly anticipated Northern Uganda Film Awards (NUFA) 2025.

The Acholi Inn Upper Hall was packed to capacity, buzzing with excitement as the region’s finest talents were celebrated for their contributions to the film industry. Hosted by the Northern Uganda Film Makers Association (NUFA), the ceremony drew filmmakers and fans from across the region and beyond.

In his opening remarks, Francis Ojok Odong, President of NUFA, expressed deep gratitude to the event’s partners, including Q FM Lira, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Kakebe Technologies, and the Luo Foundation.

Francis Ojok Odong, President of NUFA, 

"This wouldn't have been possible without the help of our esteemed partners. We would love to see this event last forever," Ojok said.

Leonard Amanya,representative from UCC

Leonard Amanya, a representative from UCC, praised the filmmakers for their resilience and creativity, emphasizing that their work reflects and strengthens their communities.

"We are celebrating not just the talents of creatives, but the power of resilience. Your work is not just entertainment; it is a mirror to the community," Amanya said.

He encouraged filmmakers to embrace UCC’s initiatives designed to support the creative industry and promote job creation.

The evening was graced by high-profile guests including Hon. Betty Amongi (Minister of Gender, Labor and Social Development), Hon. Andrew Ojok Olanya (MP for Omoro County), Ambassador Dr. Olara Otunnu, Prof. Okaka Dokotum (Deputy Vice Chancellor of Lira University), among other dignitaries.

In her keynote address, Hon. Betty Amongi, the Guest of Honor, lauded the filmmakers for their self-driven efforts to create employment and preserve culture through storytelling.

"When I see young people like this, creating jobs for themselves and showing the world that we can do it, it makes me very happy," she said.

Amongi, who proudly hails from Northern Uganda, pledged her ministry’s commitment to providing a stronger legal framework for the creative sector, especially in areas like copyright protection.

Hon. Betty Amongi

She also announced a major financial boost for the creative industry:

"We have set aside 3 billion Ugandan shillings for lending to each creative industry at an interest rate of just 6%, similar to the Parish Development Model," Amongi revealed.

In a show of personal support, she pledged a donation of UGX 5 million towards next year’s Northern Uganda Film Awards 

The night ended on a high note with filmmakers and guests celebrating a shared vision — to see the stories of Northern Uganda one day showcased on global stages like Hollywood.