Lutakome Tony Kayanja: The Creative Force Behind Uganda’s Film Industry

From his humble beginnings as a junior actor to becoming a multi-talented writer, director, and producer, Lutakome Tony Kayanja has shaped Uganda’s film industry with passion, determination, and persistence.

Lutakome Tony Kayanja, a celebrated Ugandan actor, director, and writer, began his acting journey at the age of 15 in 2007 under Ugafilms International. Starting as a junior actor, Tony invested years in mastering the art, refining his skills until 2013, when he wrote, directed, and produced his first film, Zirabamuzaale. This pivotal production not only showcased his creative talent but also earned him two nominations at the prestigious PIFF Awards—Best Actor and Best Screenplay.

His success continued with Chicago Bastards, which received five nominations and solidified his position as one of Uganda’s emerging filmmakers. Over the years, Lutakome Tony Kayanja has worked on over 70 films, including notable projects like MUGABA (winner of the 2017 AVCMA Best Horror Movie Award), KIFEESI 1 & 2, OMUZIGO web series, WHO KILLED CAPTAIN ALEX 2, MY X, KARMA, ZABIIKE, and several TV series such as ROHO KWA ROHO, TEBESIGWA, and BITABUSE.

For Tony, the film industry is more than entertainment—it is a platform to express his imaginative, creative crafts and tell African stories that reflect the heart of African social lifestyles. He remains deeply inspired by Nollywood and believes that Uganda and East Africa can achieve similar success if greater production strength and audience integration are prioritized.

Despite his achievements, Lutakome acknowledges challenges in the Ugandan film industry, particularly the lack of a well-structured production chain, which limits profitability. To overcome this, he has embraced platforms like YouTube and streaming apps to share his work globally.

When asked about advice for aspiring filmmakers, Lutakome shares his three “PDP pills”: Passion, Determination, and Persistence. “Without these three, the film industry will kill you before you’re born,” he emphasizes.

As a former President of the Association of Core Film Producers Uganda and a co-founder of Pearlwood, Tony remains optimistic about the industry’s future. He dreams of governments across Africa recognizing the potential of film as a tool for cultural identity, economic growth, and tourism promotion.

Interestingly, despite being known for his tough action gangster roles, Tony humorously admits, “I don’t know how to somersault, and I fear heights.”

To follow Lutakome Tony Kayanja and explore his incredible body of work, find him on:

• Facebook
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Instagram