Kampala mayor-elect Ronald Balimwezo has met a delegation of film industry figures from New York as part of efforts to attract foreign investment and technical expertise to Uganda's creative sector, with a focus on film and television production.
The delegation, led by Dimas Salaberrios, director of Day Light Supreme, included former New York City council member Fernando Cabrera.
The group said it was exploring partnerships that could help modernise Uganda's film industry through improved equipment, training and access to international broadcast platforms.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
Salaberrios said the delegation was keen to see large-scale investment in production technology, including professional-grade cameras, to enable local filmmakers to compete globally and reduce reliance on imported foreign content.
"We want Ugandan stories to be seen more on television and international stations, rather than relying on dubbed foreign programmes," he said. "This is about taking the industry to the next level."
Balimwezo, who is due to assume office as Lord Mayor of Kampala, welcomed the delegation and pledged support for initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for Ugandan filmmakers, actors and technical crews.
"We have young, talented actors and creatives," Balimwezo said. "As city leadership, we will give the necessary support to help the industry grow and create jobs."
Cabrera, who has also served as a senior adviser in New York City government, said Kampala could draw lessons from New York's rise into a major global film production hub over the past two decades, rivaling Los Angeles in output.
"The key is leadership and access," Cabrera said. "With the right environment, Kampala can become a centre for film production not just for Uganda, but for Africa."
Members of the delegation met local actors and producers, including television performers, and said Uganda offered a distinctive cultural setting and a stable environment attractive to international film and television productions.
Uganda's film industry remains relatively small compared with regional peers such as South Africa and Nigeria, but government officials have increasingly highlighted the creative economy as a potential driver of employment, skills development and tourism.
The New York delegation said it plans to return in the coming months with additional partners to begin concrete projects, including training programmes and co-productions with Ugandan filmmakers.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
