The Western region film industry actresses have been urged to create positive local content around the oil and gas sector to impact communities who follow their industry.
The urge was made by the Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi while officiating the Western Regional 2026 film competition organised by the Uganda communications commission (UCC) and MultiChoice Uganda recently in Hoima City.
While addressing the gathering, Barugahara recognised that the region has more opportunities that can benefit the film actress, citing the oil and gas sector which will attract both local and international investors to contribute towards the development of the industry.
In order to benefit from the opportunities, there is a need for industry to create a positive impact and conflict-free contents in communities that consume them, Balaam urged.
The government of Uganda, he said, also recognises the film industry as a very powerful economic tool with vast potential. “The film industry, if managed well, will create more jobs for the youth as well as promoting tourism.”
“We also believe that the film industry is also important in the preservation of culture through communication, languages and style,” Barugahara noted.
According to him, the creative industry is not just a hobby but an economic sector that involves hiring service providers – hence making income.
He revealed that globally, the film industry is growing at the fastest rate – citing Nigeria where the film makers are making billions of mone. The youth and children affairs minister also advised Ugandans to do the same.
Haruna Musinguzi, the UCC director of finance who represented the UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, explained that the UCC sees the film industry as a powerful economic driver which needs much effort.
He called for different stakeholders’ joint efforts to promote the industry.
Brian Kaboyo, the Mayor of Hoima City Council appreciated the steady progress of the industry, urging the youth to embrace the sector not only for employment opportunities but also to put the region on the map.
Rinaldi Jamugisa, the communications manager at MultiChoice, one of the partners of the Uganda Communications Commission, reveals that the purpose of competition is to bring together the youth in the Western region and ensure their empowerment to earning a living through the film industry.
“And as MultiChoice, we promise full support to promoting and developing talents of our young people for their better future,” he promised.
