‘Tuko Pamoja: Buganda’ Segment Nominated for 2025 Pearl International Film Festival

The ‘Tuko Pamoja: Buganda’ documentary segment, part of the Ugandan docuseries “Tuko Pamoja”, has been officially nominated for the 2025 Pearl International Film Festival (PIFF), one of Uganda’s premier film events celebrating African and international cinema.

The ‘Tuko Pamoja: Buganda’ episode explores the rich history, culture, and interconnectedness of the Buganda Kingdom — tracing its historical roots, influence in the Great Lakes region, and its role in resisting colonialism.

Premiered on February 11, 2024, at the National Theatre in Kampala, the segment received overwhelming praise and a full-house audience, with many attendees commending it for giving Ugandans a deeper appreciation of their heritage.

The segment is one of 13 parts in the “Tuko Pamoja” series — a Swahili phrase meaning “We Are One.” The series examines Uganda’s diverse cultural and historical narratives through oral histories from academics, royal court historians, and ordinary citizens, capturing the spirit of unity and shared identity across the Great Lakes region.

Written by SoftPower News journalist, Rogers Atukunda, and directed by Dr Cindy Magara, a senior Film Lecturer at Makerere University, “Tuko Pamoja” is produced by Nyati Motion Pictures and Nonner Group, with Daniel Lukwago, Director of Nonner Consults, serving as Executive Producer.

The documentary’s soundtrack was composed by award-winning Ugandan musician Tusiime Wilfred Romeo, popularly known as Akiiki Romeo, whose work adds emotional depth and cultural resonance to the production.

“Our goal was to tell Uganda’s history from the voices of Ugandans themselves — unfiltered, authentic, and proud,” said Dr Magara. “This nomination is a recognition of the power of our own stories.”

About PIFF

The Pearl International Film Festival (PIFF), founded in 2011 by Ugandan filmmaker Moses Magezi, is one of Africa’s leading film festivals, showcasing the best of African and international cinema. The 2025 edition will be held from November 18 to 22, 2025, at the Bat Valley Theatre in Kampala, organised by JAMO Productions.

PIFF brings together filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts from around the world, offering a diverse selection of documentaries, feature films, animations, and short films. The festival provides awards, certificates, and cash prizes to winners across several categories, including Best Documentary, Best Series, Best Feature Film, and Best Student Film.

This year’s edition also marks a new partnership between PIFF and the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) from Nigeria, aimed at promoting cross-border collaboration and cultural exchange within Africa’s growing film industry.