Fun Factory Uganda
{{short description|Ugandan entertainment company}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Fun Factory Uganda
| logo = Fun Factory Uganda Logo.png
| logo_size =
| image =
| image_size =
| image_caption =
| industry = Entertainment
| foundation = {{start date and age|2010|1|5|df=y}}
| founders = {{Plainlist|
- Hannington Bugingo
- Richard Tuwangye
- Veronica Namanda Kiwanuka
- Dickson Zzizinga
- Gerald Rutaro Mbabazi
- Kwezi Kaganda
- Kuddzu Isaac
- Frobisher Lwanga
- Veronica Tindichebwa
- Evelyn Kemizinga
- Ninah Katamba
- Anne Kansiime
- Emma Kakai
- Destiny Mutaasa
- Catherine Bagaya
}}
| hq_location = First Floor, F03, National Theatre
| hq_location_city = Kampala
| hq_location_country = Uganda
| key_people = Hannington Bugingo
{{small|(Managing Director)}}
Richard Tuwangye
{{small|(Communications Director)}}
Dickson Zzizinga
{{small|(Creative Director)}}
Veronica Namanda Kiwanuka
{{small|(Assistant Creative Director)}}
Gerald Rutaro
{{small|(Finance and Administration)}}
| products = {{Plainlist|
}}
| website =
}}
Fun Factory Uganda is a Ugandan entertainment company based in Kampala. It was founded in 2010, with its flagship product being sketch comedy. It also has branched into television shows and event management. FFU's cast are trained at Makerere University School of Liberal and Performing Arts. Their products include Comedicine, U-Turn, and Mizigo Express.
History
=Founding=
Fun Factory Uganda got its start when fourteen members of Theatre Factory{{Cite web|url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1298189/theatre-factory-splits|title=Theatre Factory splits up|last=Vision|first=Reporter|date=8 January 2010|website=New Vision|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=6 October 2019}} had a misunderstanding with the group's administration and
broke away to form their own troupe on 5 January 2010, leaving only two members in the original Theatre Factory group.{{Cite web|url=http://chano8.com/comedy-outfit-fun-factory-warm-best-zizinga-style/|title=Comedy Outfit Fun Factory Warm Up for "Best of Zizinga" in Style|last=Ruva|first=Roy|date=30 January 2015|website=Chano8|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2 October 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/artsculture/Theatre---Cinema/691234-836250-dh6uid/index.html|title=Theatre Factory splits, new group; Fun Factory formed|last=Nuwagaba|first=Edwin|date=5 January 2010|website=Daily Monitor|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=6 October 2019}}
=2010–2019: The hustle begins=
FFU's inaugural show was on 14 January 2010, performing at Pan World parking lot. They then proceeded to perform weekly on the same days and times that they used to at the National Theatre, where they attracted many youth and other fans.{{Cite web|url=https://www.observer.ug/component/content/article?id=7642:is-fun-factory-breaking-theatre-factorys-legs|title=Is Fun Factory breaking Theatre Factory's legs?|last=De-Hayden|first=Jack|date=14 March 2010|website=The Observer|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}} With an ever-growing audience, the management of the parking lot increased the group's rent,{{Cite web|url=https://chimpreports.com/8002-fan-factorys-journey-back-to-national-theater/|title=Fun Factory's Journey Back to National Theatre|last=Chimp|first=Reports|date=31 January 2013|website=Chimp Reports|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=5 October 2019}} causing them to shift to the Hotel Africana poolside. After a few months, they had a disagreement with the hotel management,{{Cite web|url=http://www.sqoop.co.ug/201204/four-one-one/fun-factory-to-launch-new-home-with-easter-shows.html|title=Fun Factory to launch new home with Easter shows|last=Sqoop|first=Writer|date=6 April 2012|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2 October 2019}} and had to relocate again, this time to Cinema Plaza. However, things were more challenging there, so they decided to search for a new location. They finally came to a mutual understanding with the National Theatre.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sqoop.co.ug/201301/four-one-one/home-is-always-best-as-fun-factory-comedians-return-to-national-theatre.html|title=Home is always best, as Fun Factory comedians return to National Theatre|last=Sqoop|first=Writer|date=11 January 2013|website=Sqoop|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=6 October 2019}}
=''Comedicine''=
Comedicine is a sketch comedy created by FFU that has aired on a weekly basis.{{Cite web|url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/artsculture/Theatre---Cinema/Nourish-your-heart-with-Comedycine/691234-3852132-r5mowt/index.html|title=Nourish your heart with Comedycine|last=Batte|first=Edgar. R|date=16 March 2017|website=Daily Monitor|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=6 October 2019}} since inception of the group, except the first weeks of 2018.{{Cite web|url=http://chano8.com/why-fun-factory-has-halted-their-weekly-shows-again/|title=Why Fun Factory Has Halted Their Weekly Shows Again|last=Muriisa|first=Habre|date=11 January 2018|website=Chano8|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=5 October 2019}} The show's success attracted soft drink brand Mirinda to partner with Fun Factory in the regional Mirinda Comedy tour in 2014.{{Cite web|url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/artsculture/Entertainment/Comedians-leave-Hoima--Masaka-fans-in-stitches/812796-2434304-8iog51/index.html|title=Comedians leave Hoima, Masaka fans in stitches|last=Ogwal|first=Lawrence|date=30 August 2014|website=Daily Monitor|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=6 October 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/artsculture/Entertainment/Comedians-leave-Gulu-fans-with-painful-ribs/812796-2546192-tg0sl4z/index.html|title=Comedians leave Gulu fans with painful ribs|last=Ocungi|first=Julius|date=6 December 2014|website=Daily Monitor|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=5 October 2019}}
File:Haven't we had enough for the night.jpg
| class="wikitable"
|+Present cast ! !Series !Recurring Characters !Notes |
| Hannington Bugingo
|The Musoga Series |Lukakamwa | |
| |Lying Series
|Kikonyogo |Also known as Chicco |
| |
|As Andrew Mwenda |The journalist |
| |
|Radio host | |
| Richard Tuwangye
| |The arrogant Munyankole |Always talking to an "Amos" on the phone |
| |
|Junior |Kisitu's nephew, who has a cat-and-dog relationship with his uncle |
| |UTI (Under the Influence)
|Phobia |The drunkard |
| Dickson ZZizinga
| |Kisitu |A man who depends on his sister and comes to her in case of emergencies |
| |Hajji Series
|Hajji |A conservative Muslim man with an elastic number of wives |
| |
|Sheikh Zzizu |A Muslim cleric who has a wealth of knowledge above everyone else and is always predicting the future |
| Kuddzu Isaac
|The Musoga Series |Lyagobba | |
| |
|Kasumali |A chaotic and unpredictable character |
| Anne Kansiime
| | | |
| Herbert Ssegujja
| | |
| |
|As Drake Ssekeba |The journalist |
| Frobisher Lwanga
|UTI (Under the Influence) |Amnesia | |
| Nina Katamba
|Hajji Series |One of Hajji's wives | |
| Cathy Bagaya
| | | |
| Tindi Mustapha
|Hajji Series |One of Hajji's wives | |
| Gloria Kebirungi
| | | |
| Simon Kalema
|UTI (Under the Influence) |Tilapia | |
| |
|English teacher |English school teacher with a unique English that he himself calls 'Engrish' |
| Raymond Rushabiro
|UTI (Under the Influence) |Insomnia | |
| |
|As Kasirye Ggwanga | |
| Gerald Rutaro
| | | |
| Evelyn Kemizinga
| |Junior's mother | |
| |Hajji Series
|One of Hajji's wives | |
| Veronica Namanda
|Hajji Series |One of Hajji's wives | |
== Guest appearances ==
- Daniel Omara
- Akite Agnes
- Okello Okello
- Patrick Salvador Idringi
- Don Andre
=End-of-year shows=
Fun Factory Uganda has been hosting an end-of-year show called Five Star Madness since 2014.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ntv.co.ug/features/MORNING-AT-NTV--Fun-Factory-s-Five-Star-Madness/4545218-5366846-on8wcaz/index.html|title=MORNING AT NTV: Fun Factory's Five-Star Madness - Features {{!}} NTV|website=www.ntv.co.ug|access-date=1 December 2019}}
2016 - Five Star Madness{{Cite web|url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1442454/fun-factory-bang-star-madness|title=Fun Factory ends year with a bang at 5 Star madness|last=Kushaba|first=Duncan|date=20 December 2016|website=New Vision|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=11 October 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://chano8.com/fun-factory-ends-year-bang-5-star-madness/|title=Fun Factory Ends Year With a Bang at 5 Star Madness|last=Ruva|first=Roy|date=16 December 2016|website=Chano8|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=11 October 2019}}
2019 - Five Star Madness{{Cite web|url=https://kampalasun.co.ug/2019/11/30/five-star-madness-leaves-ribs-cracking-in-pictures/|title=Five Star Madness leaves ribs cracking: In pictures {{!}} Kampala Sun|last=Muhumuza|first=Timothy|date=30 November 2019|website=Kampala Sun|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=1 December 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.sqoop.co.ug/201911/news/events/fun-factory-leaves-revellers-yearning-for-more-madness.html|title=Fun Factory leaves revellers yearning for more madness|last=Ssejjombwe|first=Isaac|date=30 November 2019|website=Sqoop|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=1 December 2019}}
=''U-Turn''=
U-Turn is a television show filmed and produced from live shows that take place every Thursday. Originally, it was called Barbed Wire, under Theatre Factory, but when the members formed Fun Factory, they recreated the show and renamed it. In 2012, U-Turn was voted as the second best locally produced show on TV.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sqoop.co.ug/201204/four-one-one/fun-factory-sign-200m-deal-with-ntv.html|title=Fun Factory sign 200m deal with NTV|date=13 April 2012|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2 October 2019}} Following an annual survey by Synovate, U-Turn was the most watched entertainment TV show in Uganda. This prompted Mirinda, the show's sponsor, to come to an agreement and air U-Turn on NBS{{Cite web|url=http://xclusive.co.ug/2015/09/ntv-loses-popular-u-turn-show-to-nbs-tv/|title=NTV Loses Popular U-Turn Show to NBS TV|last=|first=|date=1 September 2015|website=Xclusive UG|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2 October 2019}} So, in 2015, U-Turn started airing on NBS TV.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sqoop.co.ug/201509/four-one-one/u-turn-show-now-on-nbs-tv.html|title=U-Turn show now on NBS TV|last=|first=|date=18 September 2015|website=Sqoop|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}
=''Mizigo Express''=
Mizigo Express is a sitcom produced by Fun Factory. It premiered on 3 October 2018.
Discography
- Yambala Mask{{Cite web|date=23 September 2020|title=Twaweza Uganda teams up with Funfactory, release a song 'yambala mask' to create COVID- 19 awareness|url=https://www.matookerepublic.com/2020/09/23/twaweza-uganda-teams-up-with-funfactory-release-a-song-yambala-mask-to-create-covid-19-awareness/|access-date=18 February 2021|website=Matooke Republic|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Nafulah|first=Annah|date=23 September 2020|title=Fun Factory in new COVID-19 awareness hit|url=http://capitalradio.co.ug/fun-factory-new-covid-19-awareness-hit/|access-date=18 February 2021|website=Capital FM|language=en-US}}
- Weekume Weka{{Cite web|last=Batte|first=Edgar R.|date=21 December 2020|title=Covid-19: Fun Factory use song to sensitise Ugandans|url=https://www.sqoop.co.ug/202012/features/covid-19-fun-factory-use-song-to-sensitise-ugandans.html|access-date=18 February 2021|website=Sqoop|language=en-US}}
Filmography
| class="wikitable"
|+ Works !Show !Year !TV !Recognition |
| U-Turn
|2010–2015 |NTV | |
| |2015–2017
|NBS | |
| Mizigo Express
|2018–present |Pearl Magic (DStv){{Cite web|url=https://pearlmagic.dstv.com/news/pearl-magic-turns-1|title=Pearl Magic turns 1|last=|first=|date=30 September 2019|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=11 October 2019}} | |
Awareness campaigns
- April 2015 – Comedicine was used in an awareness campaign when FFU partnered with the Citizens' Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU), in order to encourage people to register to vote.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sqoop.co.ug/201504/four-one-one/fun-factory-to-root-for-voter-registration.html|title=Fun Factory to root for voter registration|last=Sqoop|first=Writer|date=10 April 2015|website=Sqoop|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=6 October 2019}}
- April 2015 – Raised 2 million shillings from the show Organised Chaos to help with treatment of Rosemary Nankabirwa, a former news anchor with NTV Uganda.{{Cite web|url=http://chano8.com/two-million-raised-for-rosemary-nankabirwa-at-fun-factory-comedy-night/|title=Two Million Raised for Rosemary Nankabirwa at Fun Factory Comedy Night|last=Ruva|first=Roy|date=10 April 2015|website=Chano8|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=7 October 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ugandaonline.net/news/view/15860/fun_factory_dedicate_show_to_rosemary_nankabirwa|title=Fun Factory dedicate show to Rosemary Nankabirwa|last=UgandaOnline|first=Writer|date=10 April 2015|website=Uganda Online|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=7 October 2018}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.facebook.com/funfactoryuganda/ Fun Factory Uganda on Facebook]
- [https://www.youtube.com/user/funfactoryug Fun Factory Uganda on YouTube]
Category:Entertainment companies based in Uganda
Category:Television sketch shows