The 4th annual iKON Awards have officially been launched, unveiling major updates during iKON Activate, the kickoff event held on Sunday at Serena Hotel Kampala. This year’s edition continues the theme “Beyond Borders,” which has shaped the various iKON Activate events conducted across Africa throughout the year.
According to iKON Awards producer Usama Mukwaya, more than 139 submissions have already been received from countries across the continent, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Sudan, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa. Organisers say this wave of entries demonstrates the growing interest in a unified African film ecosystem.
Brenda Nanyonjo CEO Miss Uganda having a light moment during the launch.
The awards will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026. In a significant first, the nominee announcement will be held in January in Kenya, marking the inaugural time this key moment will be hosted outside Uganda.
Organisers noted that the diverse submissions reflect their continued efforts to encourage cross-border collaboration by connecting creatives, upskilling talent, sharing knowledge, and expanding opportunities. This Pan-African approach has also been evident in the iKON Activate events hosted in Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda.
iKON Awards Founder and CEO Humphrey Nabimanya
The awards are further strengthening partnerships through a collaboration with the OCAN Festival and the creation of a new film fund under the iKON Initiative. The fund will provide grants to directors and producers to support the development of new films.
iKON Awards Founder and CEO Humphrey Nabimanya highlighted the increasing global hunger for Ugandan storytelling.
“After various activations around the continent, we have noticed that the world is yearning for Ugandan stories. We agreed that we must put Uganda out there so that our film industry grows to the heights we aspire to. That is the goal of the iKON Awards,” he said.
The Uganda edition of iKON Activate concluded with an oldies-themed party featuring vintage glam. Past winners were also recognised and awarded certificates for their continued achievements.
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