Actor Abbey Mukiibi receives his Lifetime Achievement award

Now in its third edition, the iKon awards have continued to give a platform to Ugandan film actors, producers, and screenwriters, among others.

The 2025 edition went down last Saturday, March 29 at Kampala Serena hotel under the theme “Back to the Roots”.

Patience Ozokwor receives the African iKon award

Guests, including Nigerian icon Patience Ozokwor, showed up in amazing style respecting the theme; Ozokwor rocked a busuuti, while others wore kikoyi fabric, all showing the fashion sense for a black carpet experience.

L-R: iKon Awards’ Humphrey Nabimanya, Nigerian actor Ramsey Noah and Brenda Nanyonjo during the event

Organizers emphasized that the event was about honouring the film industry, not fostering competition. From the moment nominees were announced to the exclusive luncheon held in their honour, the awards cultivated a strong sense of unity and camaraderie among industry professionals.

An after-party sponsored by V&A ended late with performances from Ava Peace, Dax Vibes, the cultural troupe and Eddy Kenzo.

Dax Vibes, Aziz Azion and Ava Peace perform

WINNERS

  • BEST FILM: Makula, Nisha Kalema
  • BEST DIRECTOR: Nisha Kalema, Dan Mugisha, Makula
  • BEST ACTOR: Issa Massade Yusuf, Soccer Heart
  • BEST ACTRESS: Pelly Peninah Nampanga, Maria
  • BEST SCREENPLAY: Makula, Nisha Kalema
  • BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Alex Ireeta, Soccer Heart
  • BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Felix Bwanika Baale – Ssekukkulu
  • BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Nana Kagga – Maria
  • BEST TV SERIES: Sanyu, Mathew Nabwiso
Uganda Airlines’ chief commercial officer Adedayo Olawuyi and wife
  • BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES: Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga, Sanyu
  • BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES: Diana Nabatanzi, JDC
  • BEST COSTUME DESIGN: Maria, Solomon Tazibone
  • BEST MAKEUP AND SPECIAL EFFECTS: The Lions Of Buganda, Nabakiibi Joana Jojo, Latifah Nabatanzi, Rutaro Abel
  • BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN: Makula, Imran Musabbeh
  • BEST SOUND: Karamoja, Abubaker Isiko
  • BEST EDITING: Soccer Heart, Kizito Sudaisy Sebowa
Fashion designer Solomon Tazabone wins best costume
  • BEST ANIMATION FILM: Kataleya, Denis Junior Dhikusooka
  • BEST DOCUMENTARY: A History Of Film In Uganda, Timothy Niwamanya
  • BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: The Lions Of Buganda, Patrick Chris Black, Faysal Mukalazi
  • BEST SHORT FILM: Jimbi, Ivan Tusabe
  • BEST STUDENT FILM: The Chicken Thief, Enock Timothy Jjemba
  • EMERGING FILM AWARD: Ssekukkulu – Sharon Ishimwe
  • iKON RISING STAR: Rebecca Hope Iradukunda
  • LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga
  • iKON RISING STAR – AFRICA: Liyabona Mroqoza
  • AFRICAN iKON AWARD: Patience Ozokwor and Kanayo O. Kanayo
  • iKON FELLOWSHIP – FILM OF THE YEAR: Take My Hand

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