Usama Mukwaya
{{Short description|Ugandan filmmaker (born 1989)}}
{{use Ugandan English|date=February 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Usama Mukwaya
| image = Usama_Mukwaya_UFF_25.jpeg
| caption = Mukwaya at the 2025 Uganda Film Festival
| birth_name = Usama Mukwaya Nyanzi
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1989|12|12}}
| birth_place = Mulago, Kampala, Uganda
| height =
| occupation = {{hlist|CEO of O Studios Entertainment (2014–present)|Film director|screenwriter|film producer|actor}}
| nationality = Ugandan
| education = Cavendish University {{small|(Diploma in Business administration)}}
MNFPAC {{small|(Diploma in film directing and screenwriting)}}
| years_active = 2010–present
| father = Abdullah Mukwaya
| awards = Full list
| website = {{URL|usamamukwaya.com/}}
}}
Usama ({{IPAc-en|ʊ|ˈ|s|ɑː|m|ə|}}) "Osam" Nyanzi Mukwaya (born December 12, 1989) is a Ugandan screenwriter,{{Cite news|url=http://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1444750/ugandan-film-maker-living-dream|title=Ugandan film maker: I am living my dream|work=www.newvision.co.ug|access-date=2017-11-23}} film director, producer, actor and former television host. He has received several accolades, including nominations for an Ama Award and three Amvca Awards.
He launched his filmmaking career with the short film Hello, which won overall best film in the 2010 MNFPAC Students Awards. His first major film as a producer is Bala Bala Sese, directed by Lukyamuzi Bashir, for which Mukwaya is credited as both the writer and producer.{{cite web |last=Kamukama |first=Polly |url=http://www.observer.ug/index.php/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18171:mukwaya-the-self-made-filmmaker&catid=42:sizzling-entertainment&Itemid=74 |title=Mukwaya, the self made filmmaker |work=The Observer |location=Uganda |date=12 April 2012 |access-date=31 October 2012 |archive-date=13 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013211820/http://www.observer.ug/index.php/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18171%3Amukwaya-the-self-made-filmmaker&catid=42%3Asizzling-entertainment&Itemid=74 |url-status=dead }} The film was nominated at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards for Best Film in an African Language. His directorial debut is Love Faces,{{cite web|url=https://www.pulselive.ug/entertainment/6-ugandan-movies-you-should-watch-before-2018-ends/5gmc9tc|title=6 Ugandan movies you should watch before 2018 ends|date=21 December 2018|website=www.pulselive.ug}} which was released in January 2018.
From 2018 to 2022, Usama served as chief content officer for Stream Afrique, a subscription-based streaming platform that offers online streaming of majorly African content.{{Cite web|url=https://leoafricainstitute.org/fellows/usama-mukwaya/|title=Usama Mukwaya|accessdate=9 December 2022}}
Usama is credited as the producer of the 2023 inaugural IKON Awards and the follow-up 2nd and 3rd editions,{{cite web | url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/entertainment/five-nigerian-film-stars-to-grace-ikon-awards-NV_183771 | title=Five Nigerian film stars to grace Ikon Awards | date=18 March 2024 }}{{cite web | url=https://satisfashionug.com/ikon-awards-2025-a-celebration-of-ugandan-cinema-like-never-before/ | title=Ikon Awards 2025: A Celebration of Ugandan Cinema Like Never Before | date=2 February 2025 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/entertainment/female-producers-dominate-ikon-awards-nominations-4911530/ | title=Home }}{{cite web | url=https://nilepost.co.ug/uganda/240561/nominees-for-2025-ikon-awards-unveiled-as-pool-expands | title=Nominees for 2025 Ikon Awards unveiled as pool expands }}the earlier of which marked his first "live" television production.{{cite web | url=https://redpepper.co.ug/ikon-awards-nigerian-film-star-ramsey-nouah-in-tawoo/129479/ | title=IKON AWARDS! Nigerian film star Ramsey Nouah in tawoo | date=23 March 2023 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.independent.co.ug/ikon-awards-2025-unveils-nominees/ | title=Ikon Awards 2025 unveils nominees | date=February 2025 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.pmldaily.com/news/2025/02/ikon-awards-2025-nominees-announced.html | title=Ikon Awards 2025 nominees announced | date=February 2025 }} As of 2024, Usama serves as the Director of Operations at the Ikon Inspire Foundation.{{cite web | url=https://nilepost.co.ug/ugandan-news/227683/ikon-awards-return-for-third-edition | title=Ikon Awards return for third edition }}{{cite web | url=https://www.independent.co.ug/ikon-awards-return-for-third-edition | title=Ikon Awards return for third edition | date=20 November 2024 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.matookerepublic.com/20241126/interview-ikon-awards-producer-usama-mukwaya-shares-how-they-aim-to-transform-ugandas-film-industry-through-authenticity-collaboration-and-global-reach | title=INTERVIEW: Ikon Awards Producer Usama Mukwaya shares how they aim to transform Uganda's film industry through authenticity, collaboration, and global reach - Matooke Republic | date=26 November 2024 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.observer.ug/index.php/lifestyle/83140-ikon-awards-return | title=IKON awards return | date=10 December 2024 }}
He is an executive member of Uganda Film Network and a 2019 recipient of the LéO Africa Institute's Young Emerging Leaders Project Fellowship.{{cite web | url=https://alg.leoafricainstitute.org/speaker/usama-mukwaya/ | title=Usama Mukwaya }}
Early life and background
Born in Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, Mukwaya has ancestry from Ganda, Ankole, and Rwanda. He is the son of religious leader Abdullah Mukwaya and Aziidah Mariam. As of April 24, 2019, Abdullah serves as the Qadhi of Mbarara City.{{cite news|url=https://trumpetnews.co.ug/president-commends-muslims-unity-in-mbarara/|title=President Commends Muslims' Unity in Mbarara - Trumpet News|first=Admin|last=Trumpet|newspaper=Trumpet News |date=25 April 2019}}
After the death of his mother when he was 8, Mukwaya's aunt took him in; when she died too, Mukwaya had to move in with his father and later on with his grandfather. He has four siblings from his mother and numerous from his father.
= Education =
Usama started pre-education at Saidat Aisha Nursery School and later at Buraaq Infants School, then in Bwaise. After the death of his mother, he was then shifted to Victoria Christian School in Ndeeba and later went on to attend Linnet Primary School in Nabweru, Wakiso District, for his final primary school education. In 2002, Usama joined Shuhada'e Islamic Secondary School for his O-Level and achieved his Advanced Certificate of Education from Nyamitanga Secondary School, both schools in Mbarara.
In 2008, Mukwaya studied Cisco Career Certifications Networking, and LAN/WAN Management under the faculty of information technology at Makerere University. Usama holds a diploma in film directing from MNFPAC.{{cite web|url=https://usamamukwaya.com/mnfpac-holds-first-graduation-ceremony/|title = MNFPAC holds first graduation ceremony|date = 12 December 2020}} He was reported in 2019 to be pursuing a Diploma in Business Administration at Cavendish University.{{cite web | url=https://www.cavendish.ac.ug/cuu-students-exhibit-remarkable-talent-in-the-popular-kyaddala-its-real-tv-series/ | title=CUU students exhibit remarkable talent in the popular 'Kyaddala: Its Real' TV series | date=23 October 2019 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.cavendish.ac.ug/cavendish-university-student-produces-popular-sanyu-television-show/ | title=Cavendish University Student Produces Popular 'Sanyu' Television Show | date=16 February 2021 }}
Career
= Early work (2009–2014) =
File:Maisha Film Lab 2011.jpg.]]
According to The Observer newspaper, Usama started his writing as a child. He made his film industry entry in 2009 through Dan Kiggundu's Maryland Productions, where he debuted as a script editor and supporting actor in the TV drama Pain of Lies, which premiered in 2011.{{cite web|url=https://filmlinkafrica.com/2018/05/14/african-film-producers-ugandan-producers-nana-kagga-and-usama-mukwaya/|title=African Film Producers: Ugandan Producers Nana Kagga and Usama Mukwaya|website=filmlinkafrica.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-09-12}}
Through the Uganda Film Network, he later joined the Mariam Ndagire Film and Performing Arts Center, where he worked on his first short film, Hello, which won the overall best film at the 2010 MNFPAC Awards. In July 2011, he made it to the final selection of the 12 screenwriters from all over East Africa to participate in the 7th Maisha Film Lab, ending up with a collaboration with Diana Karua in the making of the movie She Likes Prada.{{cite web|url=http://maishafilmlab.org/maisha-alumni/usama-osam-mukwaya/|title = Maisha Film Lab | Usama Osam Mukwaya}}
{{Quote box
| quote = Kinna-Uganda (Ugandan film) has something to do with mediocrity. We should follow the trends of other industries like Hollywood, Bollywood, and Nollywood; let us call our industry Ugawood.
| source = – Usama Mukwaya via The Observer{{cite web|url=http://www.observer.ug/index.php/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17873%3Augawood-or-kinna-uganda-film-stars-split-over-name&Itemid=96 |title=The Observer – Ugawood or Kinna-Uganda? Film stars split over name |date=25 March 2012 |publisher=Observer.ug |access-date=31 October 2012}}
| quoted = true
| bgcolor = #FFFFF0
| salign = center
| align = right
| width = 27%
| border = 1px
| fontsize = 90%
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Amidst the other four young directors, he directed his first film, Smart Attempt, written by Julian Nabunya and Abel Mwesigwa, during the first season of the Movie Furnace program in August 2012. He went on to participate in the program's second season with his short film In Just Hours, emerging as the season's winner for best short film director.{{cite web|url=http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26544:mukwaya-wins-film-contest&catid=42:sizzling-entertainment&Itemid=74|title=The Observer|first=Abu-Baker|last=Mulumba|work=observer.ug|date=23 July 2013|access-date=9 July 2016|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204433/http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26544:mukwaya-wins-film-contest&catid=42:sizzling-entertainment&Itemid=74|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.monitor.co.ug/artsculture/Reviews/Nurturing+local+film+talent/-/691232/1453272/-/rbt9ge/-/index.html|title=Nurturing local film talent|work=Daily Monitor|access-date=2017-11-23|language=en-UK}}{{cite web|url=http://stagebrief.net/artist-101/2018/Usama-Mukwaya.html|title=Artist 101: Usama Mukwaya - StageBrief|website=stagebrief.net|access-date=18 June 2018|archive-date=18 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618175228/http://stagebrief.net/artist-101/2018/Usama-Mukwaya.html|url-status=dead}}
He has worked as a general secretary and treasurer of the Screenwriter's Guild of Uganda Film Network and as general secretary of the Pearl International Film Festival before being appointed festival programmer for the 7th, 8th, and 9th editions consecutively.{{Cite web|url=https://pearlfilmfest.com/about-piff/|title=Unauthorized Access|website=pearlfilmfest.com|accessdate=9 December 2022}}
In late 2011, Usama won the Young Achievers Award{{cite web |url=http://www.youngachievers.ug/ |title=Young Achievers Awards Uganda – Rewarding Innovation and Excellence |publisher=Youngachievers.ug |access-date=31 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920084147/http://www.youngachievers.ug/ |archive-date=20 September 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://africayoungachievers.com/previous-awards/|title=Previous Awards - Africa Young Achievers Awards|work=africayoungachievers.com|access-date=9 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323100703/http://africayoungachievers.com/previous-awards/|archive-date=23 March 2016|url-status=dead}} in the film and television category. He was the youngest among the recipients of the award in the newly introduced category, alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who received the lifetime achievement award.{{cite web |url=http://www.youngachievers.ug/magazine/ |title=The Achiever Magazine 2011 |publisher=Youngachievers.ug |access-date=31 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202231345/http://www.youngachievers.ug/magazine/ |archive-date=2 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}
On March 25, 2012, Usama was quoted by The Observer alongside Ashraf Ssemwogerere in an interview about naming the growing film industry in Uganda, in which he stated that Ugawood could have been the appropriate name, citing that Kinna-Uganda had to do with mediocrity.
In July 2014, Mukwaya started his own film production company, O Studios Entertainment, based in Uganda, that immediately opened with the production of the short film, Tiktok, written and directed by himself. The studio has continued to produce various films including his directorial debut, Love Faces and The Passenger, among others.{{cite web|url=https://filmhackers.org/artists/usama-mukwaya/|title = Usama Mukwaya}}
=Film breakthrough=
==(2014–2018): ''Bala Bala Sese, Rehema and Love Faces''==
Immediately after Maisha Film Lab in 2011, Usama met video director Lukyamuzi Bashir of Badi Films and began working on Bala Bala Sese,
marking his first feature film as a producer and writer. The film, which also doubles as Lukyamuzi's directory debut, was released on July 3, 2015, at the theater Labonita.{{cite web | url=http://www.observer.ug/lifestyle/42-entertainment/38552-natasha-michael-set-to-relive-romance-on-screen | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705230133/http://www.observer.ug/lifestyle/42-entertainment/38552-natasha-michael-set-to-relive-romance-on-screen | url-status=dead | archive-date=5 July 2015 | title=Natasha, Michael set to relive romance on screen | first=Andrew | last=Kaggwa | work=observer.ug | date=3 July 2015 | access-date=9 July 2016 }}{{cite web | url=https://culturecustodian.com/kitale-film-week-2025-hoists-a-western-kenyan-town/ | title=Kitale Film Week 2025 Hoists a Western Kenyan Town | date=5 February 2025 }}{{cite web | url=http://chano8.com/glitz-and-glamour-at-the-premiere-of-bala-bala-sese-movie/ | title=Glitz and Glamour At The Premiere Of Bala Bala Sese Movie | date=4 July 2015 | work=chano8.com | access-date=9 July 2016}} It became one of the first Ugandan projects to receive a professional marketing structure and continued to top the best Ugandan films of 2015 and the following year.{{cite web | url=http://news24africa.com/ugandan-cinema-slowly-getting-deserved-attention/ | title=Ugandan cinema slowly getting deserved attention - News24 Africa | date=6 July 2015 | work=news24africa.com | access-date=9 July 2016}}{{cite web | url=http://www.monitor.co.ug/artsculture/Entertainment/Bala-Bala-Ssese-movie-premieres/-/812796/2776022/-/144lm1p/-/index.html/ | title=Bala Bala Ssese movie premieres | work=monitor.co.ug | access-date=9 July 2016}}
It was nominated at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards for Best Film in an African Language.{{cite web | url=http://www.filmcontact.com/news/nigeria/africa-movie-academy-announces-full-list-2016-nominations | title=Africa Movie Academy announces full list of 2016 Nominations | work=filmcontact.com | access-date=9 July 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531064020/http://www.filmcontact.com/news/nigeria/africa-movie-academy-announces-full-list-2016-nominations | archive-date=31 May 2016 | url-status=dead }} Bala Bala Sese also went on to feature in various international film festivals, including the Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt,{{cite web|url=http://www.observer.ug/lifestyle/42-entertainment/42547-ugandan-films-for-international-festivals/|title=Ugandan films for international festivals|first=Andrew|last=Kaggwa|work=observer.ug|date=10 February 2016 |access-date=9 July 2016}} where it held its African premiere and competed in the Long Narrative category with 13 other African films.{{cite web | url=http://www.luxorafricanfilmfestival.com/en/Festival/Film/Long%20Narrative/Bala%20Bala%20Sese/|title=Bala Bala Sese | website=luxorafricanfilmfestival.com | access-date=9 July 2016}}{{cite web | url=http://www.observer.ug/lifestyle/42-entertainment/42547-ugandan-films-for-international-festivals | title=Ugandan films for international festivals | first=Andrew | last=Kaggwa | work=observer.ug | date=10 February 2016 | access-date=9 July 2016 | archive-date=29 May 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529220016/http://www.observer.ug/lifestyle/42-entertainment/42547-ugandan-films-for-international-festivals/ | url-status=dead }} It was the opening film at the 10th Amakula International Film Festival, automatically qualifying for the Golden Impala Award in the best African film category, which was won by De Noir.{{cite web | url=http://amakula.org/film/bala-bala-sese-uganda/ | title=Bala Bala Sese - Uganda - Amakula | work=amakula.org | access-date=9 July 2016 | archive-date=5 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305221020/http://amakula.org/film/bala-bala-sese-uganda/ | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://proggie.ug/amakula-international-film-festival-returns/#.VtWM5qbARMg.facebook/ | title=Amakula International Film Festival Returns - Proggie - Events in and around Kampala! | work=proggie.ug | access-date=9 July 2016}} The film debuted its European release at the Helsinki African Film Festival in Finland.{{cite web | url=http://haff.fi/2016/bala-bala-sese/|title=Bala Bala Sese • Haff | date=3 April 2016 | work=haff.fi | access-date=9 July 2016}} It features former celebrity couple Natasha Sinayobye and Michael Kasaija as on-screen lovers, first-time film actor and former The Ebonies member Raymond Rushabiro, and veteran stage actor Ashraf Ssemwogerere as the narrator and actor in the film.
After the release of Bala Bala Sese, Usama teamed up with Allan Manzi as a writer and producer to make the coming-of-age provocative short film Rehema. The film made its debut screening at the 38th Durban International Film Festival and also won best short film at the 2017 Uganda Film Festival{{Cite web|url=https://observer.ug/lifestyle/53813-a-look-at-rehema-uganda-s-hope-in-durban.html|title=A look at Rehema, Uganda's hope in Durban|first=Andrew|last=Kaggwa|website=The Observer - Uganda|date=12 July 2017 |accessdate=9 December 2022}}
In 2018, after the first collaboration with Bobby Tamale on the silent short film Tiktok, Mukwaya and Bobby released Love Faces, Usama's feature directory debut, where he teamed up again with actors Laura Kahunde (Hello) and Patriq Nkakalukanyi (Tiktok), alongside first-timer Moses Kiboneka Jr.{{cite web|url=http://chano8.com/bala-bala-sese-movie-producer-working-on-new-film/|title=Bala Bala Sese Movie Producer Working On New Film - Chano8|date=17 May 2016|work=chano8.com|access-date=9 July 2016|archive-date=11 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611075805/http://chano8.com/bala-bala-sese-movie-producer-working-on-new-film/|url-status=dead}} The film was a co-production between Tamz Production and Usama's O Studios Entertainment. Love Faces won best picture at the Viewers Choice Movie Awards and was nominated at the 2017 Uganda Film Festival for Best Costume Design and Production Design, 2018 Amakula International Film Festival for Best Feature Film among other nominations.{{cite web|url=https://amakula.org/film/love-faces/|title=Love Faces |website=amakula.org|access-date=23 May 2018|archive-date=21 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621235704/https://amakula.org/film/love-faces/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://observer.ug/lifestyle/58743-love-faces-bags-13-viewer-s-choice-nods|title=Love Faces bags 13 Viewer's Choice nods|first=Anthony Lam|last=Ayebe|website=The Observer - Uganda|date=22 September 2018 |accessdate=9 December 2022}}
==2021 – present: ''The Passenger''==
The Blind Date marked the second collaboration between Usama and Loukman Ali after working together on the first season of Kyaddala TV Series, which was released in 2019.{{cite web|url=https://leoafricareview.com/arts/5688/the-blind-date/|title = The Blind Date|date = 11 February 2021}}
The Blind Date is the first of the three episodes meant to make an anthology of sorts. The short film features Martha Kay alongside Michael Wawuyo Jr. and Raymond Rushabiro, who stars as former army man – Jacob, alongside Riverdan Rugaaju, Patriq Nkakalukanyi, and Allen Musumba. It won Best Short film at the 2021 Uganda Film Festival.{{cite web |url=https://www.sqoop.co.ug/202009/news/events/loukman-releases-blind-date-delays-girl-in-yellow-jumper.html |title=Loukman releases Blind Date, delays Girl in Yellow Jumper – Sqoop – Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos |website=www.sqoop.co.ug |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025020119/https://www.sqoop.co.ug/202009/news/events/loukman-releases-blind-date-delays-girl-in-yellow-jumper.html |archive-date=2020-10-25}} A follow-up episode titled Sixteen Rounds premiered on September 16, 2021. The 37-minute short features Michael Wawuyo Jr. again and Natasha Sinayobye in leading roles.{{cite web|last=Andrew Kaggwa|title=A chance to change local film narrative – Sqoop – Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos|date=8 February 2021 |url=https://www.sqoop.co.ug/202102/features/a-chance-to-change-local-film-narrative.html|access-date=2021-10-19|language=en-US}} It won best short film at the 43 Durban International Film Festival,{{cite web | url=https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/97/230231.html | title=Durban International Film Festival announces award winners }}{{cite web | url=https://www.durbanfilmfest.com/film/sixteen-rounds/ | title=DIFF | Sixteen Rounds Durban International Film Festival - 21-30 July 2022 }} Best short film at the 7th Mashariki African Film Festival{{Cite web|url=https://www.masharikifestival.org/masharikiawards2021/|title=Mashariki 2021 Awards – Mashariki African Film Festival|accessdate=9 December 2022}} and received a special mention at the 11 Luxor African Film Festival.{{Cite web|url=http://www.luxorafricanfilmfestival.com/en/PressZone/News/LAFF%20Announces%20its%20Awards|title=LAFF Announces its Awards|accessdate=9 December 2022}} Loukman announced in October 2021 that a feature film based on the Sixteen Round's story was in the making and Usama would be producing it, but it was later cancelled.{{cite web|url=https://kampalasun.co.ug/loukman-ali-to-charge-for-sixteen-rounds-feature-film/|title=Loukman Ali to charge for 'Sixteen Rounds' feature film|access-date=2021-11-02|archive-date=2021-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020084444/https://kampalasun.co.ug/loukman-ali-to-charge-for-sixteen-rounds-feature-film/|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://kampalasun.co.ug/loukman-ali-to-charge-for-sixteen-rounds-feature-film/ | title=Loukman Ali to charge for 'Sixteen Rounds' feature film – Kampala Sun | date=2 June 2023 | access-date=20 October 2021 | archive-date=20 October 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020084444/https://kampalasun.co.ug/loukman-ali-to-charge-for-sixteen-rounds-feature-film/ | url-status=dead }}
In 2023, Usama produced Nambi,{{Cite web|url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/NV_161702|title=Movie on Buganda folklore Kintu and Nambi premieres amid hype|website=New Vision|date=31 May 2023 }} an adaptation of a Ugandan folk tale called Kintu, written and directed by Peter Mikiibi and coproduced by Dennis Arthur Abwakat. The short film won an award for best international short film, the audience award at the 2023 Kortfilmfestival Kalmthout and was also nominated for the Best Short Film award at the 2023 Uganda Film Festival.
In the same year, Usama released The Passenger, his next feature film after Love Faces, which premiered on Maisha Magic Movies, a Dstv channel. Commissioned by Mnet, the film was directed by Hadijah Nakanjako, written by Meddy Sserwadda, and stars Henry Nathan Katongole, Allen Musumba, and Olot Bonny Elem in leading roles. It received 11 nominations at the Uganda Film Festival 2023 and won five awards. It was also nominated twice at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards. Usama doubles as the film's executive producer through O Studios Entertainment.{{cite web | url=https://www.sqoop.co.ug/202403/reviews/movies/60248.html | title=Only one Ugandan film nominated for AMVCAs - Sqoop - Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos | date=25 March 2024 }}
Television
File:Usama Mukwaya Ikon 2.jpg]]
In July 2013, Mukwaya made his television hosting debut on the second season of the Movie Digest Show on Record TV Network Uganda, with actress Monica Birwinyo replacing pioneer host and former Tusker Project Fame 3 contestant Jacob Nsaali. Previously, Mukwaya had worked on the show as a producer.{{cite web |url=http://ugscreen.net/television/movie-digest-show |title=Movie Digest Show | Ugscreen - Ugandan Movies, Actors, Movie News |access-date=4 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504190335/http://ugscreen.net/television/movie-digest-show |archive-date=4 May 2014 |url-status=usurped }}
In mid-2018, Usama joined the production of Reach a Hand Uganda's television drama Kyaddala as a producer, his debut television drama series, with Humphrey Nabimanya as executive producer and Emmanuel Ikubese as the show's creator.{{cite web | url=https://thetowerpost.com/2019/09/18/reach-a-hand-uganda-emmanuel-ikubese-films-partners-set-to-premiere-kyaddala-its-real-a-pan-african-tv-series/ | title=Reach a Hand Uganda, Emmanuel IKubese Films and Partners Set to Premiere "Kyaddala: It's Real", a Pan African TV Series | date=18 September 2019 }}
The series, set in present-day high school life, focuses on real-life social issues that affect young people in Africa and stars actors from Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda.{{cite web | url=https://matookerepublic.com/2019/09/28/multitudes-turn-up-for-season-one-premiere-of-kyaddala-at-kingdom-kampala/ | title=Multitudes turn up for season one premiere of Kyaddala at Kingdom Kampala | date=28 September 2019 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.howwebiz.ug/news/entertainment/24654/reach-a-hand-uganda-and-emmanuel-ikubese-films-premiere-long-awaited-kyaddalaits-real-pan-african-tv-show | title=Reach a Hand Uganda and Emmanuel Ikubese Films premiere long-awaited Kyaddala:Its Real Pan African TV show | date=30 September 2019 }} It was announced in October 2020 that the series would be renewed for the second season, with Usama returning as producer and in talks to direct as well.{{cite web|url=http://pmldaily.com/features/entertainment/2020/10/kyaddala-tv-series-renewed-for-second-season.html/ |title=Kyaddala TV series renewed for second season |publisher=PML Daily |date= 20 October 2020|accessdate=2022-08-07}} Kyaddala Season 2 premiered again on NBS TV on March 4, 2022, with Usama producing and directing the entire season.{{cite web | url=https://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2022/06/02/african-voices-angeline-murimirwa-camfed-humphrey-nabimanya-reach-a-hand-uganda-spc.cnn | title=Empowering African youth through education - CNN Video | date=6 June 2022 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadcastprome.com/case-studies/contentcreation-production/blackmagic-gives-kyaddala-big-boost-with-resolve/|title=Blackmagic gives 'Kyaddala' big boost with resolve|first=Vijaya|last=Cherian|date=28 November 2022|accessdate=9 December 2022}}
In July 2020, Usama joined the production of the first season of MultiChoice Uganda' original TV series, Sanyu.{{cite web |url=https://www.cavendish.ac.ug/student-life/news/article/cavendish-university-student-produces-popular-sanyu-television-show |title=Cavendish University Uganda - News |website=www.cavendish.ac.ug |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514214346/https://cavendish.ac.ug/student-life/news/article/cavendish-university-student-produces-popular-sanyu-television-show |archive-date=2021-05-14}} The series premiered on DStv Uganda's Pearl Magic Prime on February 8, 2021, at the official launch of the channel.
On October 18, 2022, Usama was named as the producer of the inaugural edition of The iKON Awards: Film and Television which happened on March 25, 2023. This marked his first "live" television production credit for a major show. The awards are meant to recognize and reward personalities in the Ugandan film and television industry.{{Cite web|url=https://usamamukwaya.com/usama-named-ikon-awards-2023-producer/|title=Usama named Ikon Awards 2023 producer|date=18 October 2022|accessdate=9 December 2022}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-01-29 |title=Eleanor Nabwiso, Loukman Ali and Tracy Kababiito nominated for iKon Awards |url=https://matookerepublic.com/2023/01/29/eleanor-nabwiso-loukman-ali-and-tracy-kababiito-nominated-for-ikon-awards/ |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=Matooke Republic |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=Monitor |language=en}} He returned as the show producer again on the second edition in 2024 and is set to return for the third edition in 2025.
Philanthropy
Mukwaya began his philanthropic work in January 2015 with Empowerment of Disadvantaged Youth and Children (EDYAC) when he traveled to Tororo in eastern Uganda to share life experiences. He and Bobby Tamale, with whom they had previously worked, later made a documentary, which is now available on YouTube, about their experience with the video directed and narrated by Mukwaya.{{Citation|last=Usama Mukwaya|title=Tales from EDYAC|date=2015-11-19|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A_8IcKaM9k|access-date=2017-11-23}}
{{clear}}
= Usama Mukwaya Scholarship =
The Usama Mukwaya Scholarship is an annual merit-based scholarship offered by Usama to support outstanding, collaborative, rising Ugandan creatives in an innovative one-year film and theatre experience. It is administered by Marisul, a non profit organization founded by Usama himself. The inaugural scholarship was awarded in May 2021 to Kizito Ismael after winning best theatre production at the Mariam Ndagire Film and Performing Arts Center, Class of 2021. As of 2023, a total of three scholarships have been awarded.{{cite web | url=https://usamamukwaya.com/community//| title=The 'Usama Mukwaya Scholarship' is now rolling | date=30 May 2021 }}
Personal life
Mukwaya currently lives in Kampala.
Awards and nominations
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Usama Mukwaya}}
Usama has received numerous awards and nominations, including a nomination at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards for Best Film in an African Language Film for his film Bala Bala Sese. His 2021 short film Sixteen Rounds won best short film at the 43 Durban International Film Festival and 7th Mashariki African Film Festival, and received a nomination at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-17 |title=AMVCA 2023: Full list of AMVCA award nominees as Anikulapo, King of Thieves, Brotherhood battle for win |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/cv292ql866do |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=BBC News Pidgin}} He also received two nominations for Best Scripted M-Net Original and Best M-Net Original at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards for the film The Passenger.
Filmography
class="wikitable"
|+Key | style="background:#FFFFCC;"| {{dagger|alt=Not yet released}} |Denotes works that have not yet been released |
=Film=
class="wikitable" |
style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
! rowspan="2" style="width:33px;"|Year ! rowspan="2"|Title ! colspan="3"|Credited as ! rowspan="2"|Notes |
Director
! Producer ! Writer |
---|
TBA
| style="background:#FFFFCC;"|Untitled Philly Lutaaya Biopic{{dagger|alt=Not yet released}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes|with Nickson Kamau}} | |
TBA
| style="background:#FFFFCC;"|In Just Hours{{dagger|alt=Not yet released}} | {{yes}} | {{yes|Executive}} | {{yes}} | |
TBA
| style="background:#FFFFCC;"|Ndagire{{dagger|alt=Not yet released}} | {{no}} | {{yes|Executive}} | {{yes}} | |
TBA
| style="background:#FFFFCC;"|Breaking{{dagger|alt=Not yet released}} | {{no}} | {{yes|Executive}} | {{yes}} | |
2025
| Call 112 | {{yes}} | {{yes|with Hadijah Nakanjako}} | {{yes|with Meddy Sserwadda}} | |
2023
| Nambi | {{no}} | {{yes|with Dennis Arthur Abwakat}} | {{no}} | Also Casting Director |
2023
| {{no}} | {{yes|Executive}} | {{yes|Story}} | |
2021
| {{no}} | {{yes| with Loukman Ali}} | {{no}} | Sequel to "The Blind Date" |
2021
| {{no}} | {{yes|Executive}} | {{no}} | |
2017
| {{yes}} | {{yes|with Bobby Tamale}} | {{yes}} | Directorial debut |
2017
| Rehema | {{no}} | {{yes| with Allan Manzi}} | {{yes}} | |
2015
| {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | |
2015
| Tiktok | {{yes}} | {{no}} | {{yes}} | |
2013
| {{yes}} | {{no}} | {{yes}} | |
2012
| Smart Attempt | {{yes}} | {{no}} | {{no}} | |
2010
| Hello | {{no}} | {{no}} | {{yes}} | Also credited as First assistant director |
=Television=
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin-right:auto; margin-right:auto" |
rowspan="2" | Year
! rowspan="2" | Title ! colspan="4" | Credited as ! rowspan="2" | Notes |
---|
style="width:65px;"| Writer
! style="width:65px;"| Director ! style="width:65px;"| Producer ! style="width:65px;"| Executive Producer |
2023 - 2025
| style="text-align:left;"|iKON Awards | {{no}} | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | style="text-align:left;"|Television special |
Since 2019
| style="text-align:left;"| Kyaddala | {{no}} | {{yes|Season 2}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | style="text-align:left;"|Television series |
2023
| style="text-align:left;"|Damalie (Season 1) | {{no}} | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | style="text-align:left;"|Television series |
2021
| style="text-align:left;"| Sanyu (Season 1) | {{no}} | {{no}} | {{Yes|Line Producer}} | {{no}} | style="text-align:left;"|Television series |
2012 - 2013
| style="text-align:left;"| Movie Digest Show | {{no}} | {{no}} | {{yes|Also Host for 2013 Season}} | {{no}} | style="text-align:left;"| Television programme |
=Acting credits=
class="wikitable" |
style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
! style="width:33px;"|Year ! Title ! Role |
TBA
| style="background:#FFFFCC;"|In Just Hours{{dagger|alt=Not yet released}} | |
2016
| Bruno |
2011
| Pain Of Lies | Osama |
2010
| Iron Love | Student |
=Documentary=
class="wikitable" style="margin-right: 0;" |
rowspan="2" style="width:33px;"| Year
! rowspan="2" style="width:250px;"| Documentary ! colspan="4" | Role ! rowspan="2" | Notes |
---|
style="width:65px;"| Director
! style="width:65px;"| Writer ! style="width:65px;"| Producer |
rowspan="1" | 2015
| Tales from Edyac | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} |
=Commercials=
class="wikitable" style="margin-right: 0;" |
rowspan="2" style="width:33px;"| Year
! rowspan="2" style="width:250px;"| Advertisement ! colspan="4" | Role ! rowspan="2" | Notes |
---|
style="width:65px;"| Actor
! style="width:65px;"| Director ! style="width:65px;"| Writer ! style="width:65px;"| Producer |
rowspan="2" | 2021
| Closer TogetherArchived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211206/W3E-AQUXZxY Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20211125125541/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3E-AQUXZxY Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3E-AQUXZxY| title = Closer Together GOtv | website=YouTube| date = 8 April 2021 }}{{cbignore}} | | | | {{yes}} | rowspan="2" | GOtv Africa |
Frequent collaborators
class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; width:100%" |
style="vertical-align:bottom;"
! Artist ! class="collapsible" |Hello (2011) ! class="collapsible" |Bala Bala Sese (2015) ! class="collapsible" |Tiktok (2015) ! class="collapsible" |Rehema (2016) ! Love Faces (2017) ! Kyaddala From 2019 ! The Blind Date (2021) ! Sixteen Rounds (2021) |
Alex Ireeta
| | {{yes|✔}} | {{yes|✔}} | {{yes|✔}} | {{yes|✔}} | {{yes|✔}} | | |
---|
Laura Kahunde
| {{yes|✔}} | | | | {{yes|✔}} | {{yes|✔}} | | |
Loukman Ali
| | | | | | {{yes|✔}} | {{yes|✔}} | {{yes|✔}} |
Michael Wawuyo Jr.
| | | | | | | {{yes|✔}} | {{yes|✔}} |
Raymond Rushabiro
| | {{yes|✔}} | | | {{yes|✔}} | {{yes|✔}} | {{yes|✔}} ! {{yes|✔}} |
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Sister project links|wikt=no |commons=Usama Mukwaya |b=no |q=Usama Mukwaya |s=no |v=no |species=no |d=Q7901699|display=Usama Mukwaya}}
- {{Official website|www.usamamukwaya.com}}
- {{IMDb name|5417451}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Film|Uganda}}
{{Usama Mukwaya}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mukwaya, Usama}}
Category:English-language film directors
Category:Ugandan film directors
Category:Maisha Film Lab alumni
Category:Ugandan television personalities
Category:Ugandan screenwriters
Category:Ugandan film producers
Category:Silent film producers
Category:21st-century Ugandan male actors
Category:Makerere University alumni