Uganda’s acclaimed historical docuseries Tuko Pamoja has reached another global milestone, with its project “Uganda: The Making of a Nation” receiving an Honourable Mention at the Africa USA International Film Festival.
The recognition was communicated to the production team at Nyati Motion Pictures, led by Executive Director Dr Cindy Evelyn Magara.
A Path to Cannes
This accolade serves as a precursor to the festival’s upcoming “Inclusion” edition, scheduled for June 17–21, 2026, in Cannes, France. The event, held at Cinema des Arcades near the site of the main Cannes Film Festival, will gather global filmmakers under the theme of inclusion and the philosophy of Ubuntu (“I am because we are”).
Organisers noted that the selected works, including Tuko Pamoja, were recognised for their ability to amplify underrepresented voices and contribute to a “richer, more brilliant humanity”.
Reclaiming African History
Written by Rogers Atukunda and directed by Dr Magara, Tuko Pamoja is a 13-part series that reconstructs Uganda’s pre-colonial history and cultural interconnectedness. By blending interviews with historians, cultural leaders, and elders, the production challenges colonial-era narratives that often portrayed African communities as isolated or without complex structures.
The series specifically aims to bridge knowledge gaps for younger audiences who may not have access to these indigenous histories within formal education systems.
A Growing Global Legacy
The Honorable Mention adds to an increasingly decorated portfolio for the series:
2025: Won Best Documentary (Foreign) – Africa at the Global Independent Film Festival of India.
2025: Secured Best Documentary at the Pearl International Film Festival for its Buganda segment.
2024: Received a nomination at the Uganda Film Festival.
As the production team prepares for the spotlight in Cannes, this latest recognition reinforces the global impact of Ugandan storytelling and the vital role of film in historical preservation and national unity.
