• iKON Awards 2026 officially launched, set for March 21, 2026, with nominations to be announced for the first time in Kenya.
  • Over 139 submissions received from across Africa under the theme “Beyond Borders.”
  • New film fund introduced through the iKON Initiative to support directors and producers.

KAMPALA, Uganda – November 24, 2025 | The 4th annual iKON Awards have officially kicked off following a vibrant launch during the iKON Activate, Uganda event held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Serena Hotel Kampala.

iKON Activate marks the beginning of the awards season, and this year’s edition comes with several significant updates. The 2026 awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026, while nominees will be unveiled in January during a special event to be held for the first time in Kenya, reflecting the event’s wider regional appeal.

The upcoming edition will maintain the theme Beyond Borders, a continuation of the message championed through various iKON Activate events across Africa. This theme has guided ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration among film creatives across the continent.

According to iKON Awards producer Usama Mukwaya, the 4th edition has already attracted more than 139 submissions from a diverse range of countries including Nigeria, Ghana, South Sudan, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa. These submissions highlight the growing continental interest in cross-border partnerships, skills exchange, and broader opportunities in filmmaking.

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To support this momentum, the iKON Awards is working closely with the OCAN Festival to establish a dedicated film fund under the iKON Initiative. The fund will offer grants to directors and producers to create original films and elevate emerging talent.

Speaking at the launch, iKON Awards Founder and CEO Humphrey Nabimanya emphasized the global appetite for Ugandan stories and the need to position Uganda more prominently on the international film map.

“After various activations around the continent, we have noticed that the world is yearning for Ugandan stories. So, we agreed that we must put Uganda out there so that our film industry grows to the heights we aspire to. And that is the goal of the iKON Awards,” Nabimanya said.

The Uganda edition of iKON Activate also included a ceremony where past winners received certificates recognizing their achievements. The event concluded with an oldies-themed celebration that featured a vintage hub experience.

About the iKON Awards

The iKON Awards is an annual Ugandan Film and Television celebration that recognizes creativity, excellence, and innovation within the country’s creative sector. The awards aim to honor exceptional talent and projects that continue to elevate Uganda’s presence both regionally and internationally.