Lango filmmakers earn three nominations at Uganda film festival 2026

17 April 2026, 3:38 pm

By Baker Okello

The Lango Filmmakers Association (LAFA) has secured three nominations at the 13th edition of the Uganda Film Festival (UFF) 2026, organized by the Uganda Communications Commission.

The annual festival, themed “Transformation: The Power of Local Stories,” seeks to promote Ugandan storytelling, create a market for local film content, and attract international investment across categories such as feature films, documentaries, and animation.

Speaking to the press, LAFA Vice President Lovis Loy Atala credited the achievement to the support of the Lango Cultural Institution under the leadership of His Highness Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune. She noted that their film Wibye Pwot—translated in English as “When Power Turns”—was produced as a civic education tool to sensitize voters on leadership, promote peaceful elections, and encourage unity within communities.

Atala explained that the production was fully supported by the cultural institution as part of efforts to strengthen civic awareness and responsible leadership at the grassroots level.

The film has earned nominations in the categories of Best Original Soundtrack and Best Film in an Indigenous Language. In addition, actor Ongom Tommy received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a feature film.

Atala called on the public to rally behind the nominees ahead of the festival, which is scheduled to take place in Kampala this May.

The nominations mark a significant milestone for Lango’s creative industry, highlighting the growing impact of local storytelling in shaping culture, civic awareness, and national identity.