Tuko Pamoja (We Are One), a documentary film by Evelyn Cindy Magara (PhD) and Nyati Motion Pictures, will start premiering at the National Theatre and Ndere Cultural Centre from February to June 2024.
Tuko Pamoja documentary film (series) is about Uganda’s heroes and unity in diversity.
Written by SoftPower News journalist, Rogers Atukunda, and directed by Dr Magara, a Lecturer of Film and Literature at Makerere University, the 13-part documentary film explores the unifying geopolitical and geolinguistics of 1870-1900 Uganda and the historical relationships between the peoples of the Great Lakes Region.
The segments that shall have independent premieres include Bunyoro-Kitara; Buganda; Busoga; Tooro; Nkore/Ankole/Kaaro-Karungi or Kaaro-Karungi; Kigezi; Breakaway Kingdoms (New emerging kingdoms), The Luo (Acholi, Alur; Jopadhola, Jaluo); The Ateker (Lango, K’Jong and Itesots); The peoples of Rwenzori, The peoples of Eastern Uganda, West Nile and finally Uganda: The Making of a Nation.
“Tuko Pamoja” is a Swahili phrase meaning “we are one” or “we are together”. In this case, it refers to the cultural and historical links that bind us together as Ugandans.
“This film aims to foster cohesion since our pre-colonial history shows that “we are one” (Tuko Pamoja) and our different tribes (nations) were geographical emblems that should continue to define but not divide us,” said Dr Magara.
“As much as our pre-colonial history shows that Uganda already existed in terms of politics and language, the people continue to propagate the division seed sowed by colonialists. The colonialists wanted to see us divided on, for example, tribal lines, to subjugate us. When we all know this history, it will reduce the ethnic tensions,” stated Dr Magara.
“By retracing the historical footsteps of the Omukama Kabaleega of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, King Mwanga of Buganda Kingdom, Chief Awich of Payira and Queen Muhumuza of Kigezi etc, as some of the major players, especially in the resistance against British imperialism from 1870s to 1900, we learn about the origin of the people of Uganda and the nations (kingdoms) they belonged to that later morph into Uganda.”
“This story is relevant to contemporary East Africa as the region struggles to foster unity through a confederation of states such as the East African Community and African Union as the continent grapples with modern issues of democracy, neo-colonialism, integration, peace, and stability,” added Dr Magara.
Audiences have already tasted a sneak peek of what to expect on February 3, 2024, through trailers on our YouTube channel.
The first six segments will all premiere at National Theatre starting with Bunyoro-Kitara (Sat. Feb 3 at 3:00-7:30 pm), Buganda (Sunday Feb 11 at 6:00-9:00 pm), Busoga (Wed. Feb 21 at 5:00-9:00 pm), Ankole: (Wed. Feb 28 at 5:00-9:00), ‘Ango’ Peoples (Sun March 10 at 2:00-6:00 pm) and Eastern Uganda (Sat. March 23 at 3:00-7:00 pm).
The last seven segments will all premiere at Ndere Cultural Centre along Ntinda-Kisasi Road starting with Tooro (Sat. 6th April at 3:00-8:00 pm), The Luo (Sat. 20th April at 3:00-8:00 pm), Kigezi (Sat. 4th May at 3:00-8:00 pm), Lado Enclave: West Nile (Sat. 11th May at 3:00-8:00 pm), Break Away States (Sat. 18th May at 3:00-7:00 pm), Kingdoms of the Mountains of the Moon (25th May at 3:00-7:00 pm) and Uganda: The Making of a Nation (1st June at 3:00-7:00 pm).
The premiere will be followed by weekly screenings of each segment at Ham Cinemax (Wandegeya) and Makerere University (Food Science, auditorium) from February 4 to June 8, 2024. Later, the film will be screened in all major towns across the country.
Tickets for each segment premiere go for Shs50,000 while tickets for daily screenings go for Shs20,000 (Adults) and Shs10,000 (Students and Children). You can pay for your ticket using Airtel Merchant Code: 6522403 or MTN Merchant Code: 584156 or Mobile Money at 0778 787660. To book your ticket, Call or WhatsApp 0778 787660.
For more information, please contact:
Nyati Motion Pictures at 0778 787660 (WhatsApp)
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