In the heart of Wakaliga, Rubaga, lies Ramon Film Productions, the birthplace of Wakaliwood and the epicentre of one of the world’s most distinctive cinematic movements. Ahead of this November’s Nyege Nyege Festival, the festival organisers visited the iconic studio to experience firsthand the raw creativity and ingenuity that define Ugandan storytelling.
Roy Tumwizere, Senior Brand Manager for Mainstream Spirits at Uganda Breweries Limited, highlighted how the collaboration celebrates some of the country’s most distinctive and authentically Ugandan creative expressions.
“As we invite the world to celebrate the spirit of Ugandan creativity at this year’s Nyege Nyege Festival, we decided to stop by a true home of artistic ingenuity that is taking our nation’s storytelling beyond our borders. So, here we are in Wakaliga today,” he said.
The delegation was welcomed by a team led by Wakaliwood founder Isaac G.G. Nabwana, who offered a glimpse into how resourcefulness and passion have transformed local filmmaking into an internationally recognised art form.
The tour provided an opportunity to explore Wakaliwood’s original filming locations, props, costumes and memorabilia. Among the highlights was “Maria,” a locally welded, improvised automatic machine gun that famously featured in the viral action film Who Killed Captain Alex? Visitors also viewed original costumes and memorable souvenirs, including the Wall of Death, which features signatures associated with characters who have died on screen in Wakaliwood productions.
Isaac shared how, despite Wakaliwood’s growing international audience, the vision remains firmly rooted in authentic Ugandan storytelling. The studio continues to embrace its distinctive approach to filmmaking, using locally crafted props, signature prop guns and hand-assembled equipment that have helped establish its unmistakable identity.
“For us, action, fun and laughter remain the universal language we have spoken since we started,” Isaac explained.
“Just as we were at the first edition of Nyege Nyege, we look forward to using this expanded platform to showcase more of our local creativity to the world, right from Kalagala Falls.”
Mzee Isaac Bwanika, Secretary of Pearlwood, the umbrella organisation for filmmakers in Uganda, highlighted the economic potential of the country’s creative sector. He urged local creatives to use this year’s Nyege Nyege Festival as a platform to share their stories with international audiences through an authentically Ugandan lens, just as Wakaliwood has done.
Nyege Nyege co-founder Derek Debru promised an extraordinary festival experience featuring 96 hours of non-stop entertainment, including a dedicated filmmaker zone with on-site camping facilities provided by Adrift.
The festival’s co-organisers, Talent Africa Group, also confirmed that the ‘So Ug’ Stage would showcase Ugandan sounds and talent, featuring performances by Maro, Etania, Linus, King Saha, The Zonke Collective and many more local artistes.
Through its continued support for homegrown creativity, Uganda Waragi is championing local pride and inviting Ugandans and international visitors alike to celebrate the country’s authentic artistic spirit at this year’s Nyege Nyege Festival.
From the inventive filmmaking of Wakaliwood to the sounds and performances of Uganda’s vibrant music scene, the festival provides a platform for local talent to reach global audiences while celebrating the culture, creativity and shared spirit that bring people together.