Kigali, Rwanda – Ugandan-American filmmaker and actor Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine has won Best Short Film Documentary at the 11th Mashariki African Film Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, for his film Memories of Love Returned, marking a significant milestone for Uganda’s growing creative industry and strengthening cultural ties between Uganda and Rwanda.
The Mashariki African Film Festival, held from November 22 to 29, 2025, brought together filmmakers, broadcasters, cultural institutions, and creatives from across the continent. The festival celebrated African storytelling while providing a dynamic platform for collaboration, skills exchange, and cross-border partnerships within the rapidly expanding African film sector.
Uganda’s strong presence at the festival underscored its rising influence in regional creative industries. At the center of this success was Mwine’s award-winning documentary, which captivated audiences and judges alike with its compelling storytelling and emotional depth. The recognition highlights Uganda’s capacity to produce internationally competitive content and reinforces the country’s position as a growing hub for film and cultural production.
The Uganda High Commission in Kigali sponsored the Uganda Pavilion and coordinated the country’s participation at the festival. Michael Bulwaka, Counsellor at the Mission, emphasized that cultural diplomacy is a key pillar of Uganda’s foreign policy. He noted that engagement in platforms such as Mashariki strengthens bilateral relations while advancing Uganda’s creative economy.
“Ugandan filmmakers’ participation aligns with national priorities to grow the film, music, and digital content sectors through youth empowerment, skills development, and cultural exports,” Bulwaka said.
Running alongside the festival was the Kigali International Content Market, which offered Ugandan creatives valuable opportunities to network, forge strategic partnerships, and access new regional and international markets. Godfrey Musinguzi, CEO of the Uganda Film and Culture Market, highlighted that the platform deepened collaboration with Rwandan industry partners and strengthened cross-border creative ties.
Festival founder Tressoh Senghor welcomed delegates from across Africa and noted the industry’s growing competitiveness, marked by the introduction of new award categories such as Best Actor and Actress.
As East African Community integration deepens, Uganda continues to position its creative economy as a driver of regional unity, cultural innovation, and global visibility. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to facilitating dialogue, partnerships, and institutional linkages that strengthen Uganda’s creative sector and its contribution to continental growth.
