WHAT IS AYENY COOKING IN TYLER PERRY STUDIOS?

Over the past few years, we have seen and heard of Ugandan filmmakers traveling to near and far destinations. Some have gone for leisure, family visits, or further studies. Others have been hired for film projects abroad. Many have travelled for film festivals funded by local or international bodies such as the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), while others have invested their own resources to pursue opportunities at international film markets, conferences, workshops, pitch forums, and collaborative platforms.

I personally make it a point to celebrate our local and national filmmakers whenever they break through in any way. I believe deeply in the potential of Ugandan storytellers, and I understand the pride and motivation such news ignites, not only in the achievers themselves but also in the dreamers watching from a distance. These milestones inspire, energise, and sometimes even rescue those who are on the verge of giving up.

Around July last year, I shared about Ayeny T. Steve’s trip to Los Angeles, where he explored iconic Hollywood spaces including Universal Studios Hollywood and attended the Cine Gear Expo 2025. When he returned, the villager in me was eager to sit down with him and hear about his cinematic escapades. I found myself listening with the curiosity of members of the Royal Geographical Society receiving reports from 19th-century explorers. Indeed, Ayeny – “The Film Explorer”, was generous in sharing stories from what many consider the promised land of filmmakers: Hollywood.

This week, during a casual scroll on social media (and no, I was not hunting for lugambo), I stumbled upon photos suggesting that Ayeny had stepped into Tyler Perry Studios. Haaaaa! As someone who thrives on positive Ugandan film-related “lugambo,” I immediately reached out for details about the mission. Unfortunately, my messages went unanswered.

Still, my instincts tell me something might be cooking. And if you are thinking what I am thinking, the stars could very well be aligning to deliver one of East Africa’s biggest film headlines. But you see, I am a villager at heart, full of excitement and prone to drawing conclusions long before the official announcement arrives.

In any case, shout-out to all Ugandan filmmakers quietly working on major national and international projects. I know many of you are operating under NDAs and tight lips… but me, Daaga, I will eventually find out officially or unofficially. So you better tell me the news when you still can, I am the one you have!

But ssi rina lugambo.

#MakingUgFilmsFamous

Written by

Kasule Douglas Benda

I’m a professional performing artist, an acting coach, film director, actors’ agent and more.

Follow

Did this story move you? Every gift goes directly to Kasule Douglas Benda — writers on Muwado earn from reader appreciation, not algorithms. Even $1 makes a difference.

Gift Once Gift Monthly