Ugandan film production house Ramon Film Productions, popularly known as Wakaliwood, has begun work on a new action film inspired by the Nyege Nyege Festival, with festivalgoers expected to take part in the production.
The project was unveiled during a Uganda Waragi-Wakaliwood conversation held at the film studio in Wakaliga, Kampala, last week. The event brought together filmmakers and arts and culture enthusiasts to discuss the growth and future of Uganda’s film industry.
The gathering took an unexpected turn when Roy Tumwizere, Uganda Waragi brand manager, found himself participating in one of the film’s opening scenes before the panel discussion began.
Tumwizere said he had not expected to be drawn into the action, but the experience gave him a glimpse of what festivalgoers could expect.
“They caught me unaware. I didn’t expect this and especially how serious the scene was. I only woke up to realise that I was actually in the middle of a film shoot and I had to take it in,” he said.
“With this, I just want to see the epic that will happen in Kalagala Falls.”
Wakaliwood founder Isaac Nabwana, who directed the opening scenes, said the shoot offered a preview of the experience planned for the festival.
He said attendees would be able to choose their roles and become part of the film, either as gang members who meet their end or as heroes who survive the action.
“This is just the beginning,” Nabwana said, laughing as he addressed the surprised guests.
“At the festival, all attendees will take part in the movie. They will have a chance of choosing which role to play, whether to die in the movie as mafias or become the good guys. Those who will die in the movie will have to sign their names on our wall of fame,” he added.
The interactive production is intended to reflect the festival’s “So Ugandan” tagline, drawing on Uganda Waragi’s brand message, “The Spirit That Binds Us”, to celebrate the country’s culture and bring people together.
Derrick Debru, co-founder of Nyege Nyege, said this year’s edition would be special because of its focus on filmmakers.
He said bringing Wakaliwood on board was a deliberate effort to create more opportunities for Ugandan filmmakers to showcase their work while promoting the country’s identity through film.
Wakaliwood’s involvement also recalls the festival’s early years. In 2016, the production house made Attack on Nyege Nyege Island, an action film in which members of the fictional Tiger Mafia gang stormed the festival and held attendees captive before they were rescued through a show of unity.
The film became one of the production house’s notable releases at the time.
The planned action sequences will, however, be subject to safeguards. Nabwana said filming and art displays would be confined to the Wakaliwood booth, with participants required to give their consent before taking part.
The festival will also feature screenings of several Wakaliwood productions, including Who Killed Captain Alex, Bad Black, Crazy World and Rolex Time. The screenings will be accompanied by live video joker VJ Emmy, known for translating Ugandan films for audiences.
Mzee Bwanika, general secretary of Pearlwood, Uganda’s film industry association, said giving local filmmakers a platform at major festivals could help market the country’s film industry.
He added that naming festival editions after local production houses and placing filmmakers at the centre of major cultural events could contribute to the industry’s growth.
The October 23 event began with a tour of Wakaliwood’s studios, where guests viewed props used in the production of its action films. This was followed by the filming of two scenes: one highlighting Uganda Waragi’s presence at the festival and another emphasising the importance of attendance.
A panel discussion on Wakaliwood and the future of Uganda’s film industry followed, before the event ended with a photo session.
Although filmmaking will feature prominently, music and other art forms will remain part of the 2026 Nyege Nyege Festival programme.
More than 200 artistes are expected to perform across seven stages. Announced acts include Zonke Africa DJ Collective, King Saha, Linus Tattoos, Abeeka Band, DJ Akio of Strictly Soul and Etania, among others.
With Wakaliwood leading the film component, organisers hope to give festivalgoers an experience that combines cinema, audience participation, music and Ugandan cultural expression.