Kasule Douglas Benda
Last night was truly monumental for the Ugandan theatre fraternity.
While the rest of the world marked World Theatre Day 2026 (24th–27th March), with the main international celebrations held in Luxembourg City by the International Theatre Institute, UNESCO, and the Theater Foundation, Uganda’s theatre community gathered on 28th March at the Uganda National Theatre to celebrate in its own vibrant way.
The event, organised by the Uganda Centre of ITI, featured a rich lineup of activities. These included a Copyright Symposium, the “Twali Banji” audio play installation by Betty Lunkuse, and “Balembezi”, an immersive performance that drew the audience into movement, singing, and orature organised by Lloyd Lutara
The evening culminated in the inaugural Uganda Theatre Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding achievements across ten categories.
Before sharing the winners, special appreciation goes to the executive committee whose efforts made the event possible: Aganza Kisaka (President), Kenneth Kimuli (Vice President), Charles Batambuze (Secretary), Julius Lugaya (Vice Secretary), Patience Nakamanya (Treasurer), and Vicent Sekasanvu (Project Supervisor).
Seeing multiple generations of theatre practitioners gathered in one space was deeply inspiring and as a theatre enthusiast (drama actor, director, teacher, consumer) myself, it was a proud moment to witness.
Full Winners List
1. Best Light Design – GAMPISI by Arafat Mugambe
2. Best Sound Design – SSEWATTI by Arafat Mugambe & Mariam Ndagire
3. Best Costume Design – THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA by Guy Jairus Zziwa
4. Best Stage Manager – SHE LOVES ME by Precious Nsimenta
5. Best Theatre Script – MAKE ROOM by Brenda Ibarah
6. Best Set Design – SHE LOVES ME by Kenneth Kanaabi
7. Best Actor – Male Ronald in UNDER THE SUN
8. Best Actress – Tayo Shonubi in SHE LOVES ME
9. Best Director – Aganza Kisaka for SHE LOVES ME
10. Best Production – SHE LOVES ME by Yenze Theatre Conservatoire
Congratulations to all the winners of this inaugural edition.
These awards mark an important step forward for the industry. Recognition and healthy competition have a way of raising standards and this first edition shows the future of Ugandan theatre looks even more promising.
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