Hellen Lukoma Shares Hopeful Outlook for Uganda’s Film Industry

Ugandan actress, singer, model, and fashion designer Hellen Lukoma is offering a refreshing perspective on the state of Uganda’s film industry, and it is far from gloomy.

At a time when many continue to question whether acting can truly pay the bills, Lukoma believes the industry has quietly made meaningful progress.

Speaking on Sanyuka TV’s Bigenda Bitya, she described a film scene that has grown steadily from its early struggles and is slowly moving toward stability.

The movie industry is doing much better than before, far better than where we started. I think it is getting better. We are growing. There is steady progress, and I believe it is our grandkids who will truly reap the benefits.

While she acknowledges that the biggest rewards may still lie in the future, Lukoma is clear that change is already happening.

She explained that acting is no longer just about passion or visibility, but is becoming a dependable source of income for many creatives.

Right now, some people can even pay their children’s school fees from the money they earn from movies. Many have built, many are prominent, and they are doing very well. One can confidently say, I am an actress. I wake up every morning, leave home, go to work, and return each day knowing that I have worked and I am waiting for my monthly pay.

That said, Lukoma does not pretend that the industry has fully arrived.

She admits there is still work to be done, but remains encouraged by the growing structures within the industry.

From actor guilds to platforms advocating for better pay and working conditions, she sees a collective effort pushing things forward.

We are getting better. We have not yet gotten there, but I have seen people working towards this. There are so many guilds, you know, actors and actresses, doing things that are helping us get jobs. People are advocating and fighting for our rights. So, we are getting there.

Hellen Lukoma’s remarks paint a picture of an industry gradually moving out of survival mode and stepping into stability.

Ugandan cinema may still be a work in progress, but she believes the future is finally starting to shine.

VIDEO: I’m a submissive woman, but I believe women only submit to the right people.- Hellen Lukoma #SanyukaBigendaBitya #SanyukaUpdates pic.twitter.com/vv12NZz92t

— Sanyuka TV (@sanyukatv) January 2, 2026