Veteran Ugandan actor Raymond Rushabiro has shared his bold vision for the future of Uganda’s film industry, calling for sweeping reforms centered around discipline, honesty, and improved production quality.
In an interview on Sanyuka TV, Rushabiro, known for his powerful on-screen performances and commanding stage presence did not mince words when asked what changes he would implement if given the opportunity to lead the country’s film sector.
“The very first thing would be discipline and honesty. People are not honest. Especially when it comes to finances. Honesty and transparency,” he stated.
With a career spanning decades in theatre, television, and film, Rushabiro has witnessed firsthand the struggles and setbacks that continue to plague Uganda’s creative industry. According to him, financial dishonesty remains one of the biggest obstacles to growth, often eroding trust among stakeholders and stalling meaningful collaboration.
But Rushabiro’s vision for change goes beyond character reform. He stressed the urgent need to upgrade the technical side of filmmaking, noting that Uganda must raise its production standards if it hopes to compete on a regional and international level.
“I would improve the quality of movies that we put out for the public. That calls for acquiring machines that are up-to-date and getting experts to teach our actors how to use the technology and payment coming in on time,” he said
His remarks come at a time when the Ugandan film industry is experiencing a new wave of momentum, with more filmmakers stepping into the international spotlight and platforms such as Netflix taking interest in African storytelling. However, many insiders agree that systemic issues like poor funding, lack of training, and mismanagement continue to hold the sector back.
Rushabiro’s message is a wake-up call and a challenge to the industry to get its house in order.
As Uganda’s creative economy continues to evolve, stakeholders may do well to listen to voices like Rushabiro’s voices that speak not only from experience but from a genuine desire to see the industry thrive.
