The iKon Awards 2025 took place at the Kampala Serena Hotel, bringing together Uganda’s top creatives, filmmakers, and actors in an evening of celebration and recognition. The awards, which are now in their third edition, honored the best in Uganda’s film and creative industry.
Here is the complete list of winners:
- Best Film: “Makula” – Nisha Kalema
- Best Director: Nisha Kalema, Dan Mugisha – “Makula”
- Best Actor in a Leading Role: Issa Massade Yusuf – “Soccer Heart”
- Best Actress in a Leading Role: Pelly Peninah Nampanga – “Maria”
- Best Screenplay: “Makula” – Nisha Kalema
- Best Cinematography: Alex Ireeta – “Soccer Heart”
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Bwanika Baale Felix – “Ssekukkulu”
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Nana Kagga – “Maria”
- Best TV Series: “Sanyu” – Mathew Nabwiso
- Best Actor in a TV Series: Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga – “Sanyu”
- Best Actress in a TV Series: Diana Nabatanzi – “JDC”
- Best Costume Design: “Maria” – Tazibone Solomon
- Best Makeup and Special Effects: “The Lions of Buganda” – Nabakiibi Joana Jojo, Latifah Nabatanzi, Rutaro Abell
- Best Production Design: “Makula” – Imran Musabbeh
- Best Sound Design: “Karamoja” – Isiko Abubaker
- Best Editing: “Soccer Heart” – Kizito Sudaisy Sebowa
- 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” – Tusabe Ivan
- Best Student Film: “The Chicken Thief” – Enock Timothy Jjemba
- Emerging Film Award: “Ssekukkulu” – Sharon Ishimwe
- iKon Rising Star: Iradukunda Rebecca Hope
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga
- iKon Rising Star – Africa: Liyabona Mroqoza
- African iKon Award: Patience Ozokwor, Kanayo O. Kanayo
- iKon Fellowship – Film of the Year: “Take My Hand”
The night was a testament to the rapid growth of Uganda’s film industry and the wealth of talent within it. With international recognition and increased investment, the industry is poised for even greater achievements in the coming years.