Uganda is positioning itself as a premier destination for international film production, leveraging its diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique cultural heritage to attract filmmakers. Speaking at the Inaugural Uganda-France Investment, Tourism, and Trade Conference in Paris, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Chief Executive Officer, Lilly Ajarova, extended an invitation to French, Spanish, and Portuguese filmmakers to explore Uganda’s picturesque scenery and affordable production environment for their cinematic projects.
Dr. Ajarova emphasized Uganda’s appeal not just as a travel destination but also as a filmmaker’s paradise, boasting breathtaking natural beauty that rivals some of the world’s most famous filming locations.
“Uganda’s tourism sector, backed by Uganda’s unique wildlife, scenic landscapes, and diverse cultural heritage, offers vast potential for growth,” said Ajarova at the conference, which aims to foster investment and tourism partnerships between Uganda and France.
Uganda’s Spectacular Filming Locations
Uganda is home to some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes, ranging from lush green rainforests and vast savannahs to towering mountains and pristine lakes. These features provide an ideal backdrop for various film genres, from wildlife documentaries and adventure films to historical epics and fantasy productions.
Some of Uganda’s top filming locations include:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – A mystical jungle setting home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, perfect for wildlife documentaries and adventure films.
- Murchison Falls National Park – Features the world’s most powerful waterfall, surrounded by golden savannahs and dramatic cliffs.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park – Offers tree-climbing lions, volcanic craters, and the Kazinga Channel, ideal for nature-based films.
- Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon) – Snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and rugged landscapes provide a stunning setting for epic adventure and fantasy films.
- Source of the Nile – Includes serene lakeside villages, powerful rapids, and lush wetlands, providing a variety of dynamic water-based filming locations.
- Kidepo Valley National Park – A remote and untouched wilderness, often compared to the Serengeti, featuring expansive plains, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife, ideal for historical or survival-themed films.
- Jinja – Known as the Adventure Capital of East Africa, offering white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and extreme sports on the Nile, perfect for thrill-seeking film projects.
Beyond Natural Beauty: Uganda’s Urban and Cultural Filming Spots
Beyond its natural beauty, Uganda offers historic sites, modern urban settings, and vibrant cultural landscapes, providing a rich tapestry of storytelling opportunities. Cities such as Kampala, Entebbe, and Jinja feature a blend of colonial architecture, contemporary cityscapes, and bustling street markets that can enhance any film production.
The Film Industry and Government Support
The Uganda-France Investment, Tourism, and Trade Conference, held at the Cercle D’Aumale in Paris from February 17 to February 22, is a strategic initiative by the Uganda Embassy in Paris to enhance economic, trade, and tourism partnerships between Uganda and France. The conference aims to attract investors in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, ICT, and tourism.
The Ugandan government, through the Uganda Film Commission and UTB, is actively working to facilitate international productions by simplifying the film permit process, providing tax incentives, and assisting with location scouting. Uganda has already gained recognition in the global film industry, with major productions such as the 2016 Disney film Queen of Katwe, starring Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo, showcasing Kampala’s vibrancy and the resilience of its people. Additionally, National Geographic, BBC, and Netflix have all filmed nature and conservation documentaries in Uganda’s stunning landscapes.
With continued investment in its film sector, Uganda is poised to become a top choice for filmmakers seeking unique and captivating locations. The country’s blend of natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage, and supportive film policies makes it an attractive destination for global cinematic projects.
