On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the iKon Awards lit up the Serena Hotel in Kampala as outstanding creators were recognized for their contributions to the entertainment industry.
The event brought together top figures in film, music, and media, celebrating African talent with a touch of cultural elegance.
Embracing African heritage, attendees showcased stunning African attire, adding to the glamour of the evening.
The highlight of the night was the presentation of the African iKon of the Year awards, delivered by Humphrey Nabimanya, Founder of the iKon Awards. He was joined by Nigerian film legend Ramsey Nouah, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, George Kigozi, Board Member at Reach A Hand Uganda, Presidential Advisor on Creatives Eddy Kenzo, and Talent Africa CEO Aly Allibhai.
A major announcement of the night came from Mathew Nabwiso, a celebrated actor and producer, who introduced the formation of the Uganda Film Producers Guild, a significant step towards advancing the country’s film industry.
During his acceptance speech for the African iKon Award, veteran Nigerian actor Kanayo O. Kanayo encouraged filmmakers to continue investing in the industry, calling film “the new oil.”
“Wherever you go in the world, Nigeria stands tall. When you board a flight from Uganda to New York, you watch Nigerian movies on Netflix, Showmax, and in cinemas. What does that tell you? Film is the new oil. We have achieved this in Nigeria, and Uganda can do the same by collaborating and building strong partnerships,” he said.
Meanwhile, celebrated actress Patience Ozokwo used the platform to encourage more women to actively participate in the film industry, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and empowerment.
Here is the full list of winners
● BEST FILM
Makula, NISHA KALEMA
● BEST DIRECTOR
Nisha Kalema, Dan Mugisha, MAKULA
● BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Issa Massade Yusuf, SOCCER HEART
● BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Pelly Peninah Nampanga, MARIA
● BEST SCREENPLAY
MAKULA, Nisha Kalema
● BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Alex Ireeta, Soccer Heart
● BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Bwanika Baale Felix – SSEKUKKULU
● BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Nana Kagga – MARIA
● BEST TV SERIES
SANYU, Mathew Nabwiso
● BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES
Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga, SANYU
● BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES
Diana Nabatanzi, JDC
● BEST COSTUME DESIGN
MARIA, Tazibone Solomon
● BEST MAKEUP AND SPECIAL EFFECTS
THE LIONS OF BUGANDA, Nabakiibi Joana Jojo, Latifah Nabatanzi, Rutaro Abell
● BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
MAKULA, Imran Musabbeh
● BEST SOUND DESIGN
KARAMOJA, Isiko Abubaker
● BEST EDITING
SOCCER HEART, Kizito Sudaisy Sebowa
● BEST ANIMATION FILM
KATALEYA, Denis Junior Dhikusooka
● BEST DOCUMENTARY
A HISTORY OF FILM IN UGANDA, Timothy Niwamanya
● BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
THE LIONS OF BUGANDA, Patrick Chris Black, Faysal Mukalazi
● BEST SHORT FILM
JIMBI, Tusabe Ivan
● BEST STUDENT FILM
THE CHICKEN THIEF, Enock Timothy Jjemba
● EMERGING FILM AWARD
SSEKUKKULU – Sharon Ishimwe
● IKON RISING STAR
Iradukunda Rebecca Hope
● LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga
● IKON RISING STAR – AFRICA
Liyabona Mroqoza
● AFRICAN IKON AWARD
Patience Ozokwor and Kanayo O. Kanayo
● IKON FELLOWSHIP – FILM OF THE YEAR
Take My Hand
