The prestigious iKon Awards that happened last night March 23, 2024 saw several creatives from in and out e of Uganda win accolades for their contributions towards the Film Industry. Nigerian movie actor, Iheme Osita, was at the venue at 3:30 PM and was confidently walking around with no protection.
Away from that, the most recognised individuals of the evening, the iKON Awards were powered by several partners, including Sauti, The iKON, and several others. Serena Conference Centre was exquisitely utilized and properly lit up; you could think you were at the Grammys.
When the guests started showing up, it got even more unbelievable. The place was littered with pomp, fashion, and every single actor or actress who might cross your mind. Some of the guests included Hellen Lukoma, Housen Mushema, Allan Kutos, Mariam Ndagire, Malaika, Ramsey Nouah, Doreen Mirembe, Matthew Nabwiso, Michael Wawuuyo Jr. & Sr., Valentino, Flavia Tumusiime, Stella Nantumbwe, Usama Mukwaya, and many more.
The IKON Awards were also attended by government officials. These included Betty Amongi, Minister for Gender, Labor, and Social Development, and the Country Director of UNESCO.
Hon. Betty Amongi who was representing the President congratulated Humphrey Nabimanya and the team for organizing the awards.
“The President has asked,” Amongi revealed, “that we enact a law to protect intellectual property from plagiarism. Secondly, we need to monetize the content. People have talked about making collaborations with Nigeria. We saw Kenzo and Bobi Wine get international nominations, and we are so proud of such people. So, it’s high time the government supported Ugandan talent. I thank the Ugandan youth who have occupied the international scene. I also thank the European Union. Did you know that there is a European Union talent search?”
Allan Kutos Katongole
Another notable group of people who were recognized were the 10 young filmmakers in the iKON Fellowship. Below is a list of these outstanding students who are working on film projects.
- Wuri by Kibirige Fred Nouah
- The Janitor by Sylvester
- The Choice We Make by Parton
- “Teen Me” by Ndagire Pauline Angel
- Ward 4 (1998) by Rianne Bateeze
- Ethania by Gerald Abongi
- Hasfa by Ssemambo Douglas Benedict
- Wrong Choice by S. Shabiru Bayan
The awards were granted to their respective winners throughout the event with spectacular performances from professional film soundtrack singers and impeccable Ugandan cultural dancers.
The accolades were awarded by several senior actors and actresses, including Michael Wawuyo Sr., Mariam Ndagire, Ramsey Nouah, as well as Iheme Osita. Other accolades were awarded to Rona Ninsiima, Andrew Ahura, Housen Mushema, Hellen Lukoma, Ronnie Mpabulo Adams, Veronica Nakayo, Ushikoma Daniel, and more.
Mariam Ndagire
The most outstanding moment of the night was recognition of the contribution of Michael Wawuyo Sr. for the Lifetime Achievement of the Year award. Several actors and actresses were seen hailing the veteran actor for helping them get to where they are. Mariam Ndagire said, “This tall, dark-skinned man found me in the industry, but he has grown to become so superior in the technical bits of movie production. Even with such expertise, technical knowledge, and a history of international recognition, Michael Wawuyo has never looked down on us. He has always been humble instead of patronizing the rest of us. We call him the best uncle in the Ugandan movie industry because he does literally everything, from make-up to acting, to production, and even helps with script writing.” Mariam said this as she was presenting the senior actor with his accolade.
In his acceptance speech, Michael expressed his surprise at how everything was organized behind his back. He was so happy and also recognized his son, Michael Wawuyo Jr.
The awards were concluded with massive performances. Guests were surprised by the musicians who performed because they had been away from the music scene for a while. It was completely unexpected, yet they took center stage, and their performances took simply hyped the crowd. These included Young Mulo, Coco Finger, Queen Bella, Vampino, and Ziggy Dee.
Here is the full list of Winners at the iKON Awards 2024
- BEST FILM: “Unheard” by Polly Kamukama and Joseph Ken Ssebaggala
- BEST DIRECTOR: Joseph Ken Ssebaggala for “Unheard”
- BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE: Jackline Katusiime for “Unheard”
- BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE: Henry Nathan Katongole for “The Passenger”
- BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: Blair Koono for “Enkuba”
- BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: Allen Musumba for “The Passenger”
- BEST DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Izaek Ekuka for “The Passenger”
- BEST SCREENPLAY: “Maid of Honor” by Patrick Lorimo
- BEST SOUND: Kaz Kasozi for “Unheard”
- BEST EDITOR: Emma Daka Waira for “The Passenger”
- BEST COSTUME DESIGN: Nabbanja Hikmah, Lukwago Paluku, Tumusiime Jackie for “The Kitara Chronicles”
- BEST MAKEUP AND SPECIAL EFFECTS: Rose Lily Kebirungi for “Unheard”
- BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN: Francis Byaruhanga for “Unheard”
- BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Tusingwire Alex for “The Kitara Chronicles”
- BEST SHORT FILM: “Building 62” by Hakim Zziwa
- BEST DOCUMENTARY: “The Shadow Pandemic” by Ben Bwire and Ssekandi Jimmy
- BEST ANIMATION FILM: “Herderboy” by Raymond Malinga
- BEST TV SERIES: “Damalie” by Doreen Mirembe
- BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES: Symon Base Kalema for “Prestige”
- BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES: Doreen Mirembe for “Damalie”
- BEST STUDENT FILM: “Silent Scream” by Otim Gerald
- IKON RISING STAR: King Missy
- IKON RISING STAR – AFRICA: Nancy Isime
- LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Michael Wawuyo Sr
- EMERGING FILM AWARD: “Unheard”
- AFRICAN IKON AWARD: Osita Iheme
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