A wealthy and powerful family. A fortune waiting to be inherited. Dark secrets that refuse to stay buried.
This is the world of The Last Mugerwa, a new Ugandan drama that takes viewers inside a powerful family whose wealth, influence and carefully protected image begin to fall apart.
The approximately 30-minute film centres on the Mugerwas, a prominent family whose empire is thrown into turmoil after its patriarch, Mzee Mugerwa, suddenly collapses following a mysterious encounter linked to his ancestors.
What initially appears to be a medical emergency quickly takes a darker turn. As doctors struggle to explain what happened to him, questions begin to emerge within the family. Was his collapse natural, or was there something more sinister behind it?
As uncertainty surrounds the family patriarch, attention quickly shifts to one thing — his wealth and who will take control of it.
The battle for inheritance soon exposes deep divisions within the Mugerwa family, turning relatives and close associates against one another. Old relationships begin to break down, loyalties are tested and those closest to the family find themselves caught in a growing struggle for power.
But money is not the only problem facing the Mugerwas.
Behind the family’s glamorous and successful image are affairs, broken relationships, secret alliances and long-hidden truths that threaten to destroy everything they have built.
The story also takes a supernatural turn, connecting the family’s present troubles to a dark pact made years earlier. As the truth slowly begins to emerge, the Mugerwas are forced to confront the consequences of secrets that have been passed down through generations.
Created and directed by Ugandan filmmaker Allan Manzi, The Last Mugerwa combines family drama, mystery, business rivalry and supernatural suspense in a story built around power, ambition and betrayal.
The film draws on familiar African family structures and the influence of powerful business dynasties while exploring how far people are willing to go to protect their wealth and secure their position.
A Cross-Border Cast
The production brings together actors from Uganda and Kenya, including Allen Komujuni, Ronnie Ndubi, Malaika, RiverDan Rugaju, Diana Luvanda, Evelyn Kemizinga, Pelly Peninah Nampanga, Arnold Muhereza, Stephen Katusiime, Linda Kayitesi Kayita and Herbert Montez Kafrika, who takes on the role of Mr Mugerwa.
Jeremiah Khari Okeny is also introduced in the production.
Evelyn Kemizinga plays Mercy Mugerwa, the family matriarch who finds herself trying to hold the household together while guarding a secret that could destroy the family’s entire legacy.
Malaika takes on the role of Sarah Mugerwa, an intelligent and reserved chief financial officer whose life becomes increasingly complicated as secrets surrounding her husband threaten everything she knows.
Ronnie Ndubi plays Adrian Semakula, an ambitious senior executive caught in the middle of the Mugerwa family’s growing power struggle.
Behind the scenes, Allan Manzi serves as both director and executive producer, while Peter Niwagaba is the writer and producer. Malaika Tenshi is the line producer, with Emmanuel Gashumba serving as director of photography.
Manzi began his journey in filmmaking at the Maisha Film Lab before earning a master’s degree in Film and Television from Sacred Heart University in New York. His career has also included work with NBCUniversal on programmes such as Maury, Jerry Springer and Master of None.
Produced by Manzi Media, The Last Mugerwa is part of an effort to tell African stories that remain rooted in local experiences while appealing to audiences beyond the continent.
Unlike many Ugandan productions that first seek a television audience, the film will be released directly on YouTube.
The Last Mugerwa is scheduled to premiere on September 6, 2026, promising viewers a suspense-filled story where the fight for power is not against strangers, but against the very people sitting around the family table.
