Ugandan Film: Wakaliwood, the Uganda Film Festival and More

Updated 19 October 2026

Uganda’s film industry is small but growing fast, with local productions in Luganda and English, a lively online and television audience, and an annual Uganda Film Festival, launched in 2013 by the Uganda Communications Commission to celebrate and award local film. The country is also known internationally for Wakaliwood, the low-budget action studio in Kampala’s Wakaliga neighbourhood, and as the setting for films such as “The Last King of Scotland” and “Queen of Katwe”.

Wakaliwood and local cinema

Director Isaac Nabwana’s Ramon Film Productions makes action films on tiny budgets with homemade props and enthusiastic local casts. “Who Killed Captain Alex?” (2010) became an internet hit thanks to its trailer and live “video joker” commentary, a Ugandan tradition in which a narrator translates and jokes over a film. Many other local productions, from dramas to comedies and TV series, are watched on television, YouTube and streaming platforms. See our guide to Uganda’s music scene.

International films about Uganda

“The Last King of Scotland” (2006), about Idi Amin, was filmed partly in Uganda, and Forest Whitaker won an Oscar for his performance. Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” (2016) tells the true story of chess player Phiona Mutesi from Katwe in Kampala, and was filmed partly on location. Documentaries on gorilla conservation also feature Bwindi and Mgahinga. See our guides to Uganda’s modern history and Ugandan literature.

Watching films in Uganda

Kampala has modern cinemas in shopping malls showing international and some local releases, and film screenings and festivals take place at cultural venues. Check local listings for festival dates, which can change from year to year. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guide to Kampala nightlife.

Frequently asked questions