The iKON Awards continue to shine a spotlight on Uganda’s thriving film industry, recognizing both emerging and established talent. The 2025 edition saw Makula, a film by Nisha Kalema, dominate with multiple awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
Full List of Winners at the 2025 iKON Awards
The prestigious iKON Awards 2025 have once again celebrated outstanding talent in the Ugandan and African film industry, recognizing filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals for their excellence. Here is the full list of winners:
Film & Television Categories
• Best Documentary Film: A History of Film in Uganda – Timothy Niwamanya
• Best Animation Film: Kataleya – Denis Junior Dhikusooka
• Best Visual Effects (VFX) in Film: The Lions of Buganda
• Best Student Film: The Chicken Thief – Enock Timothy Jjemba
• Best Short Film: Jimbi – Ivan Tusabe
• Best Sound Design in Film: Karamoja – ISIKO ABUBAKER
• Best Editing in Film: Soccer Heart – Kizito Sudaisy Sebbowa
• Best Makeup in Film: The Lions of Buganda – Nabakiibi Joan, Nabatanzi Zam Latifah, Rutaro Abel
• Best Costume Design in Film: Maria – Solomon Tazibone
• Best Production Design: Manual – Imran Musabbeh
• Best Emerging Film: Sekukkulu – Sharon Ishimwe
• Best iKON Young Fellow Film: Take My Hand
• Best TV Series: Sanyu – Mathew Nabwiso
• Best Actor in a TV Series: Abbey Mukiibi Nkaaga
• Best Actress in a TV Series: Dianah Nabatanzi (JDC)
Acting & Performance Awards
• Best Supporting Actress in Film: Nana Kagga (Maria)
• Best Supporting Actor in Film: Bwanika Felix Baale (Sekukkulu)
• Best Actress in a Film: Peninah Nampanga (Maria)
• Best Actor in a Film: Issa Masadde Yusuf (Soccer Heart)
Technical & Creative Awards
• Best Cinematography in Film: Soccer Heart – Alex Ireeta
• Best Screenplay for Film: Makula – Nisha Kalema
• Best Film Director: Makula –Nisha Kalema & Dan Mugisha
• Best Film: Makula – Nisha Kalema
Special Recognition Awards
• African iKON Award: Kanayo Kanayo
• African iKON Award: Patience Ozokwo
• Rising Star Award: Rebecca Iradukunda
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Abbey Mukiibi Nkaaga
Celebrating Excellence in Film
A special congratulations to all the winners and the entire film community for their dedication to storytelling and excellence.A big shoutout to the iKON Awards organizers and supporting partners, including:
• Humphrey Nabimanya
• Usama Mukwaya
• Reach A Hand Uganda
• Sauti Plus Media Hub
• Uganda Communications Commission
The Future of Ugandan Cinema
With growing recognition and industry support, the Ugandan film industry is poised for even greater achievements. The iKON Awards not only celebrate excellence but also inspire the next generation of filmmakers to push creative boundaries and tell powerful African stories.