In Just Hours
{{Infobox film
| name = In Just Hours
| image = File:In_Just_Hours_film.jpg
| caption =
| director = Usama Mukwaya
| producer =Mariam Ndagire
| writer = Usama Mukwaya
| starring = {{unbulleted list|Ssentongo Isaac|Allen Musumba|Veronica Nakayo|}}
| cinematography = Kugonza Isaac
| editing = Emanuel Bukenya
| released = {{Film date|2013|07}}
| country = Uganda
| language = Luganda/ English
}}
In Just Hours is a 2012 Ugandan short drama film written and directed by Usama Mukwaya.{{Cite web |title=In Just Hours | Ugscreen | Ugandan Movies, Actors, Movie News |url=http://ugscreen.net/ugandan-movie/just-hours |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129041800/http://ugscreen.net/ugandan-movie/just-hours |archive-date=29 November 2014 |access-date=4 May 2014 |website=Ugscreen}} Produced through the Mariam Ndagire Film and Performing Arts Centre under the Movie Furnace project, the movie won the best film in the competition's second season.{{cite web |last=Mulumba |first=Abu-Baker |title=Mukwaya Wins Film Contest |url=http://observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26544:mukwaya-wins-film-contest |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914141653/http://observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26544:mukwaya-wins-film-contest |archive-date=14 September 2016 |accessdate=30 August 2016 |website=The_Observer (Uganda) |publisher=The_Observer (Uganda)}} It premiered in the Nile Diaspora International Film Festival and later screened at the 2012 Manya Human Rights Film Festival and gained recognition for its tight pacing and emotional depth.{{Cite web |title=NDIFF-selection |url=http://www.ndiffest.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/NDIFF-selection.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203014814/http://www.ndiffest.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/NDIFF-selection.pdf |archive-date=3 December 2013 |access-date=29 November 2013 |website=Nile's Diaspora International Film Festival (NDIFF) |publisher=Nile's Diaspora International Film Festival (NDIFF)}}{{cite web |last=Baranga |first=Samson |title=The Observer |url=http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29017:diaspora-film-festival-is-back&catid=42:sizzling-entertainment&Itemid=74 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213194215/http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29017:diaspora-film-festival-is-back&catid=42:sizzling-entertainment&Itemid=74 |archive-date=13 December 2013 |accessdate=30 August 2016 |website=The Observer (Uganda) |publisher=The Observer (Uganda)}}{{Cite web |title=Brief Film Program 2013 |url=http://www.manya.org.ug/files/Brief%20Film%20Program%202013.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109102120/http://www.manya.org.ug/files/Brief%20Film%20Program%202013.pdf |archive-date=9 January 2014 |access-date=18 March 2013 |website=Manya Human Rights International Film Festival |publisher=Manya Human Rights International Film Festival}} It was also nominated in the 4th Pearl International Film Festival for best student film under the MNFPAC.{{Cite web |title=Full PIFF Nomination's List | Uganda films news |url=http://ugscreen.net/uganda-movie-news/full-piff-nominations-list |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129041912/http://ugscreen.net/uganda-movie-news/full-piff-nominations-list |archive-date=29 November 2014 |access-date=7 June 2014 |website=Nile's Diaspora International Film Festival (NDIFF) |publisher=Nile's Diaspora International Film Festival (NDIFF)}}{{Cite web |last=ChimpReports |date=2014-05-21 |title=AIDS Film Scoops 12 Nods At Piff 2014 |url=https://chimpreports.com/20312-aids-film-scoops-12-nods-at-piff-2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130164134/https://chimpreports.com/20312-aids-film-scoops-12-nods-at-piff-2014/ |archive-date=2024-11-30 |access-date=24 June 2025 |website=ChimpReports |publisher=ChimpReports |language=en-US}}{{cite web |title=Ugandan Short Films: A Growing Industry |url=https://www.africanfilmfestival.org/uganda-shorts |accessdate=23 June 2025 |website=Cascade Festival of African Films |publisher=Cascade Festival of African Films}}
Plot
Peter is about to be surprised by a mysterious, crude condition from the disease he has been suffering from. Weirdly the condition he is suffering from is only about to get fatal in the next few hours and if not treated quickly and carefully, he might not be sexually productive again.{{Citation |last=Mukwaya |first=Usama |title=In Just Hours |date=2013-06-05 |type=Short, Drama |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3074950/ |access-date=2025-06-24 |others=Ssentongo Isaac, Allen Musumba, Veronica Nakayo}}
Cast
Production
Filmed in Kampala’s Katwe slum, In Just Hours was produced by Mukwaya’s production company. The cast included emerging Ugandan actors, with locations capturing the gritty reality of urban life. Production took two weeks, using handheld cameras to enhance the film’s raw aesthetic. Mukwaya, known for films like *Bala Bala Sese*, aimed to highlight social issues while proving Ugandan filmmakers could create compelling stories with limited resources.{{cite web |title=Usama Mukwaya's Contributions to Ugandan Cinema |url=https://www.ugandafilminstitute.org/mukwaya-profile |accessdate=23 June 2025}}{{Cite web |title=Maisha Film Lab {{!}} Usama Osam Mukwaya |url=https://maishafilmlab.org/maisha-alumni/usama-osam-mukwaya/ |access-date=2025-06-24 |language=en-US}}
Feature film adaptation
A feature film based on the same story is in development.{{Citation |last=Mukwaya |first=Usama |title=In Just Hours |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9079252/ |access-date=23 June 2025 |others=Mariam Ndagire, Usama Mukwaya, Fauziah Nakiboneka}}
Reception
The film was well-received at local festivals, earning a Best Short Film nomination at the 2012 Manya Festival. Audiences praised its emotional intensity and relatable characters, though some critics noted technical limitations due to budget constraints. It was screened at community centers and schools, sparking discussions on poverty and crime. The film’s success boosted Mukwaya’s reputation, cementing his role in Uganda’s film industry.{{cite web |title=Manya Human Rights Film Festival Archives |url=https://www.manya-festival.org/2012-winners |accessdate=23 June 2025 |website=Manya Human Rights International Film Festival |publisher=Manya Human Rights International Film Festival}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}