Gulu City — The acclaimed Ugandan historical docuseries Tuko Pamoja has earned another major milestone, with its “Luo Segment” nominated for Best Documentary at the upcoming Northern Uganda Film Awards, set for May 2, 2026, in Gulu City.
The nomination places the spotlight on a powerful chapter of the 13-part series written by journalist Rogers Atukunda, and directed by Makerere University film lecturer Dr Cindy Magara, which explores the shared history, migration, and cultural unity of Luo-speaking communities across East Africa.
A Story Rooted in Shared Heritage
The Luo segment, which premiered on April 20, 2024, at the Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala, traces the deep historical ties among groups such as the Acholi, Alur, Jonam, and Padhola. It also highlights connections extending beyond Uganda into South Sudan and Kenya, emphasising a time when communities were interconnected long before colonial borders.
Produced by Nyati Motion Pictures, the docuseries blends interviews with cultural leaders, historians, and community members to reconstruct narratives often missing from formal education.
Speaking on the nomination, Dr Magara described the project as more than just a film. “As a director, my mission has always been to use cinema to bridge the gap between our history and our future. Tuko Pamoja—‘We Are One’—is more than a title; it is a movement. This nomination celebrates the power of film to preserve the diverse identities that make us one nation.”
Stories of Heroes and Identity
The Luo segment brings to life historical figures and cultural icons, including Acholi leader Chief Awich Abok and his father Rwot Camo-wod-pa-Lawino, as well as Lango military commanders like Owiny Akullu and Ongora Okubal. It also features leaders such as Chief Aliku of Ma’di and Chief Amula of Alur, reflecting the resilience and complexity of Northern Uganda’s past.
Atukunda, on his part, said the recognition in Northern Uganda carries special meaning. “Taking this film to Gulu feels like a homecoming for the stories we’ve spent years documenting. This nomination belongs to the elders and storytellers who trusted us with their truth.”
Building Momentum on the Global Stage
The nomination adds to an impressive list of accolades for Tuko Pamoja, which won Best Documentary (Foreign) – Africa at the Global Independent Film Festival of India in 2025 and Best Documentary at the Pearl International Film Festival the same year. The series was also previously nominated at the Uganda Film Festival.
Spotlight on Northern Uganda Cinema
Organised by the Northern Uganda Filmmakers Association, the Northern Uganda Film Awards have quickly become a key platform for promoting regional storytelling. Following a successful inaugural gala in 2025 that drew over 1,000 attendees, this year’s event is expected to be even bigger.
All roads now lead to Hotel Acholi Inn, where filmmakers, creatives, and audiences will gather for a night celebrating indigenous storytelling, cultural preservation, and cinematic excellence.
With its powerful narrative and cultural depth, the “Luo Segment” of Tuko Pamoja stands as a strong contender—bringing history home to the very communities whose stories it tells.