Back to the Source: Uganda’s Nile Story Captivates Guangzhou, Reframe Tourism Storytelling

In a powerful blend of diplomacy, film, and destination marketing, Uganda showcased its latest flagship tourism documentary, Back to the Source – The Nile, during a world premiere in Guangzhou. This event marked a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to share its story with the global audience.

Over 300 guests attended the screening at the Consulate General of Uganda in Guangzhou, including Chinese tour operators, media personalities, cultural influencers, diplomats, investors, and members of the Ugandan diaspora. The screening was the centrepiece of the Second Annual Silverback Event, an initiative designed to position Uganda as a destination rich in depth, emotion, and global significance.

The heart of the documentary features Ambassador Judith “Juju” Nsababera, Uganda’s Consul General in Guangzhou, whose personal journey anchors the film. Rather than presenting a typical travel showcase, **Back to the Source – The Nile** follows the Ambassador as she faces a lifelong fear of deep water—stemming from a near-drowning incident at the age of 13—that leads her to raft the River Nile for the first time.

The film is shot across notable Ugandan locations, including Jinja, Kisoro, Bwindi, Lake Mburo, Mbarara, and Kampala. It seamlessly transitions between Uganda’s iconic attractions and the lived experiences of its people. Viewers are taken on adventures such as gorilla tracking in Bwindi’s misty forests, visiting coffee-growing communities in Kisoro, exploring Ankole cattle heritage in Mbarara, and enjoying cycling and horseback riding in Lake Mburo National Park.

Ambassador Nsababera remarked, “This film was created to invite you into the experience, to see a Uganda beyond the brochures. A Uganda that moves you, challenges you, and inspires you.” Her narration intertwines themes of tourism, culture, investment, and diplomacy, positioning Uganda not just as a tourist destination but as a country eager to engage more deeply with the global community, particularly with China.

Directed by Derrick Ssenyonyi, Back to the Source – The Nile stands out for its cinematic ambition. With immersive sound design, sweeping drone imagery, and emotionally resonant storytelling, the film showcases Uganda with a visual and narrative quality aimed at international audiences. Ssenyonyi emphasised the documentary’s relevance in today’s digital-first world, stating, “This film is not just for cinemas; it is designed for phones, online platforms, and the spaces where stories spread the fastest.”

The production brought together Ugandan and Chinese creatives, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the film and reinforcing the cultural bridge the Consulate is building between the two nations. The premiere sparked significant interest among tourism and media circles in China, with tour operators expressing renewed curiosity in Uganda’s offerings.

The Consulate General noted that the strong attendance and online engagement indicated a growing demand in Asian markets for authentic and nuanced African stories, a strategy Uganda increasingly embraces as part of its broader tourism and trade goals.

Following its successful international debut, Back to the Source – The Nile is set to premiere in Uganda on February 22, 2026. This home premiere will unite government leaders, tourism stakeholders, creatives, and private sector representatives for discussions on storytelling, destination branding, and investment.

Nsababera concluded, “Uganda is not simply a destination; it is an emotion. A rising promise. A country ready to be seen.”