Two young filmmakers from Uganda Christian University (UCU) have made history after clinching top honours at the prestigious Uganda Film Festival (UFF) — a triumph that not only celebrates their talent but also signals the rise of a promising new generation in Uganda’s creative industry.
Brian Kabogozza, a current student, and Douglas Byaruhanga, a graduate of UCU’s Journalism and Mass Communication programme, emerged victorious in two of the festival’s most competitive categories. Kabogozza won Best Student Film for his short film Dinner for Three, while Byaruhanga — also known by his stage name Big Doug — took home the Best Original Soundtrack award for the film Fatal.
Organised annually by the Uganda Communications Commission, the Uganda Film Festival is the country’s foremost platform for recognising excellence in film production, acting, directing, and sound.
Reflecting on his achievement, Kabogozza shared how his passion for filmmaking began in Senior Three at Namilyango College. Despite facing resistance from school administrators, his determination never wavered.
“I started with simple short films and never looked back,” he said. “When I joined UCU, I took it more seriously and began directing my own productions.”
Geoffrey Ssenoga, a broadcaster and instructor at UCU’s School of Journalism, praised the university’s continued commitment to nurturing creative talent by providing facilities that equip students with industry-relevant skills.
“UCU remains dedicated to preparing students for today’s competitive job market through practical training,” Ssenoga noted. “The university also continues to innovate through models like Online Distance Learning (ODeL) for postgraduate programs such as the Master’s in Journalism and Strategic Communication. The UCU eLearning platform further enhances flexibility, allowing students and lecturers to interact in real time, access resources, and manage coursework effectively.”
Thanks to such innovations, UCU continues to produce industry-ready graduates, with alumni like Kabogozza now earning recognition on major platforms like the Uganda Film Festival.
Kabogozza cited some of his earlier works — My Degree, My Background, and My First Year — which have garnered nominations at the Ikon Awards (Uganda), the Malawi International Film Festival, and even a win at the Student World Impact Film Festival (USA) for My Background.
Byaruhanga’s creative journey began with small acting roles during his Senior Four days. Though opportunities were scarce, he later found his true calling in music and film production. His award-winning soundtrack for Fatal has been praised for its emotional depth and technical excellence.
“Music and film speak the same language to me,” Byaruhanga said. “This award is the result of years of trying, failing, and learning.”
Together, Kabogozza and Byaruhanga represent a new wave of Ugandan creatives making their mark both locally and internationally. Despite challenges like limited budgets and resources, Uganda’s film industry continues to produce work that resonates with audiences at home and draws attention from global festivals.
Industry experts emphasise that platforms like the Uganda Film Festival are vital for nurturing young talent and giving them a platform to shine. “These are the kinds of stories we need to tell,” remarked one of the festival judges. “They show what’s possible when young people follow their passion.”
