Uganda’s creative industry spotlight shone bright on Saturday evening as the Opportunities Are Here (OAH) project premiered Season Two of its youth-focused reality TV show at Motiv, Kampala. The launch also featured the debut of You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye, a psychological thriller created by emerging Ugandan filmmakers.
The high-energy event attracted major industry players and supporters of Uganda’s growing film sector. Backed by the Geneva-based International Trade Centre (ITC) and the European Union (EU), the OAH project aims to empower young creatives with skills, mentorship, and access to both local and global markets.
Nurturing Talent Through Mentorship
Returning for a second season, the Opportunities Are Here reality series brings together a star-studded mentorship team including actor and broadcaster Gaetano Kaggwa, actress and writer Cleopatra Koheirwe, filmmaker Nana Kagga, and actor Michael Wawuyo Jr. The show follows aspiring creatives as they navigate the rigours of filmmaking—from brainstorming and budgeting to production and final screening.
The new season is set to air on NTV Uganda every Thursday at 8:30 pm, starting 10 July.
“This series gives a raw, real look at what it takes to succeed in Uganda’s film industry. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a pipeline for skills, jobs, and innovation,” said Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of ITC.
New Thriller Marks Milestone for Youth Filmmakers
The night also marked the premiere of You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye, a psychological thriller starring Hellen Lukoma, Fidel Sankara, Mbabazi Catherine Uwera, Allan Kutos Katongole, and veteran actor Nuwa Wamala Nnyanzi.
The film was written, co-directed, and produced by seven alumni of the OAH programme—Kahbuya Vanessa (Kvan), Kavuma Vieri, Nodryn Evanci Kabuye, Elly E. Debuni, Illungole Emmanuel, Nsiima Chloe, and Manirahari Colline—demonstrating the project’s success in turning mentorship into real, marketable content.
Guided by a team of seasoned professionals, including Loukman Ali (creative director), Joel Tugaineyo (co-producer), Drake Steven Makanga (director), and Alex Ireeta (director of photography), the young creatives took a team-based approach to deliver their first commercially viable production.
The film is set to tour cinemas across Uganda starting 18 June.
Backing from the EU and ITC
European Union Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Jan Sadek, praised the project’s impact:
“We see huge potential in Uganda’s creative industries. Projects like Opportunities Are Here help youth build skills, connect with others, and showcase their work to the world. Young Ugandan creatives should not fear aiming for international platforms—their unique stories are exactly what the world wants to see.”
Since its inception, the OAH project has reached over seven million people, trained more than 11,000 creatives, and contributed to the creation of 13,595 jobs and 135 youth-led productions.
With its mix of mentorship, real-world production experience, and international collaboration, Opportunities Are Here is rapidly redefining the landscape of Ugandan film—and inspiring a new generation to lead the charge.
