Why Ugandan Movies Struggle to Break Onto Netflix, According to Nabwiso

Just because Uganda’s film industry is not loud about its achievements does not mean it is not making progress.

According to prominent actor and director Mathew Nabwiso, the industry is performing better than many people realize.

During a sit-down on NBS After 5, Nabwiso pointed to several international wins as evidence that Ugandan films are making major strides.

We are doing really well because we have had many films compete internationally and win. Personally, there are films I have worked on. For example, Rain won Best Film in Africa and the Middle East at the London Eye International Film Festival. It also won at the NUREN Film Festival. We have another movie called Karamoja, which won Best Cinematography at the African Film Festival in Texas. Previously, the movie Bed of Thrones performed well at the London Art Film Festival and even attracted the attention of the BBC, which invited us to appear on the BBC Morning Show to talk about it.

With such international recognition, questions often arise about why few Ugandan films make it onto major streaming platforms like Netflix.

Responding to this, Nabwiso pointed to the platform’s regional focus as a key factor.

I think the challenge is Netflix’s approach. I think they have specific regions they are focusing on. Right now, they are focusing on South Africa and Nigeria.

Using Loukman Ali’s “The Girl in the Yellow Jumper” as an example, he explained that getting onto such platforms sometimes requires industry connections beyond local reach.

Also, to get Loukman’s movie on Netflix, it took an American producer who could pull some strings, and it happens.

We are doing great because we have had films that have competed internationally.- Mathew Nabwiso #NBSAfter5 #NBSUpdates pic.twitter.com/yQA8hWOzvZ

— NBS After 5 (@NBSAfter5) January 29, 2026