Filmmakers guided on registration, IP rights, piracy, and distribution

The National Producers Guild of Uganda, under its mandate to foster an inclusive, sustainable, and competitive local film industry, held its inaugural film producers’ workshop on Wednesday at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) headquarters.

The workshop spotlighted the challenges, triumphs, and untapped potential of Uganda’s emerging film sector, offering a candid look at its current realities and future prospects.

From company registration and copyright to funding, distribution, and piracy, key stakeholders including the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), URSB, and Multichoice engaged deeply with the most pressing issues facing local filmmakers. Their presence signaled a collective commitment to nurturing the industry’s growth.

Guild president Mathew Nabwiso urged producers to formalize their operations, emphasizing that government support hinges on reliable industry data.

“Operating informally limits access to assistance. Registering your company is the first step toward unlocking opportunities,” Nabwiso said.

He also announced plans to expand filmmaking culture across Uganda’s regions, including outreach to schools to inspire the next generation. With support from UCC, regional hubs will be established, starting in Gulu City to build a sustainable workforce and cultivate a loyal base of local film consumers.

Nabwiso recalled a sobering moment during the COVID-19 lockdown when a filmmaker tragically died of starvation, underscoring the urgent need for structural support in an industry that produces new public figures each year.

Joseph Kilenga of URSB outlined the benefits of formalizing businesses, particularly access to credit—a persistent challenge for local filmmakers.

“Banks want to know the nature of your business and whether you’re incorporated. They’re hesitant to lend to individuals without legal structures. Registration makes it easier,” Kilenga explained.

Intellectual property rights also took center stage. URSB emphasized the importance of copyright registration for creators of dramatic, musical, and audiovisual works—including films, TV shows, music videos, commercials, and animations. Copyright grants creators exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and adapt their work—but registration is essential.

Gonzaga Ntaruka of UCC revealed that the hardships filmmakers faced during the pandemic led to the creation of a content development fund. Funded not by government but by telecom companies, the initiative allocates 2% of their annual revenue to support the industry through festivals, production, international travel, capacity building, and infrastructure development.

Multichoice’s Rinaldi Jamugisha addressed the issue of piracy, criticizing filmmakers who contribute to the problem by sharing unauthorized copies. He warned that piracy undermines the industry by devaluing creators’ work and eroding potential earnings.

A standout moment came from 15-year-old Magezi Lyon, a Senior Two student and aspiring filmmaker, who captivated the audience with his passion and plans to launch a production company with his peers. His enthusiasm embodied the future of Uganda’s film industry.

Moved by his ambition, Brian Mulondo of Multichoice offered to assist Magezi with the company registration process, while Humphrey Nabimanya of Reach A Hand and Sauti Plus pledged to incubate his budding venture.