The black carpet glittered, anticipation buzzed, and the vibrant spirit of the Northern Uganda Film Awards (NUFA) 2026 culminated in a spectacular awards night celebrating the finest achievements in film.
The evening underscored the industry’s remarkable growth, burgeoning talent, and unwavering dedication to compelling storytelling. The event was organised by the Northern Uganda Filmmakers Association.
Held at Acholi Inn Hotel over the weekend, the awards ceremony showcased both established luminaries and exciting talent. Leaders lauded the innovation, emotional depth, and cultural resonance of the nominated works, highlighting film’s power to reflect, challenge, and inspire.
The second edition spotlighted the transformative power of storytelling in the Greater North Region.
The event drew high-level attention. Gen Otema Awany, Amb Olara Otunnu, Rt Rev MacLeod Baker Ochola II, Hon Catherine Lamwaka, Gulu City mayor-elect Julius Labeja Gunya, Amb Rosa Malango, and Rt Hon Chief Justice Owiny Dollo — who attended as chief guest via Zoom — were present. Exhibitors, district representatives, and political leaders also turned up, reflecting the awards’ expanding footprint nationwide.
The second edition was a celebration of excellence in Northern Uganda cinema and beyond. Here’s to the filmmakers, actors, crews, and storytellers pushing boundaries and shaping the future of film.
NUFA Awards Winners List:
1. SHORT FILM CATEGORY:
HURDLES OF HOPE
2. FEATURE FILM CATEGORY:
KARAMOJA
3. PRODUCTION DESIGN CATEGORY: AKITHAK
4. BEST DOCUMENTARY CATEGORY: BEAUTY WITHOUT TEETH
5. BEST SCREENPLAY CATEGORY:
LAST GOODBYE — Joshua Adoli Omara
6. BEST DIRECTOR CATEGORY:
REVERIE — Emma Okello
7. BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY CATEGORY: BECOMING HER, BECOMING FREE — Lucas Ravie
8. BEST ACTOR CATEGORY:
REVERIE — Akena Godfrey
9. BEST ACTRESS CATEGORY:
KARAMOJA — Atim Evelyn
10. BEST CHILD ACTOR CATEGORY: FIREWOOD — Olem L. Veen Victor
11. BEST EDITOR CATEGORY:
REVERIE — Emma Okello
12. BEST SOUND CATEGORY:
SERAH'S VECTOR — Okello Henry
13. BEST VFX CATEGORY:
SERAH'S VECTOR
14. BEST ORIGINAL SONG/SOUNDTRACK: MY COUSIN "ASITE" — Lync C Black Mama
15. JURY’S AWARD:
HALF CHOCOLATE, HALF VANILLA
16. HONORARY AWARD:
Rt Rev MacLeod Baker Ochola II.
