Lubega Salman Edris: Uganda’s Celebrated Actor and Advocate for Talent

From viral TV series to award-winning films, Lubega Salman Edris continues to inspire as an actor, sociologist, and President of the Screen Actors Guild of Uganda.

Meet Lubega Salman Edris, a renowned Ugandan film actor and sociologist whose career spans over a decade of remarkable performances in film, theater, and television. His journey into acting began in 2011 with Maryland Production Africa, starring in the movie "Pain of Lies" under directors such as Dan Kiggundu and Tyaba Charles. Since then, Lubega has steadily climbed the ranks, leaving an indelible mark on Uganda’s entertainment industry.

Career Highlights Lubega’s journey has been marked by roles in some of Uganda’s most iconic productions. From his viral portrayal in the series "Baguma" and "Mr. Right" on Top TV to his celebrated performances in "Sanyu" (directed by the Nabwisos), "Prestige" (by Mr. Magola), and "Bedroom Chains" (by Mr. Mageye Hassan), Lubega has proven his versatility and depth as an actor. His work in "Half Life", which earned him the Best Actor Award at the Uganda Film Festival (UFF) 2024, showcased his method acting skills, including reducing his weight from 92kg to 75kg to embody the role fully.

Beyond acting, Lubega has been a vital advocate for Uganda’s film industry. As the President of the Screen Actors Guild of Uganda, he is committed to nurturing new talent, advocating for better working conditions, and lobbying for industry growth. His dedication has taken him to international festivals, including the Kigali Mashariki International Film Festival, ZIFF Zanzibar International Film Festival, and Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), where he represented Uganda on the global stage.

Challenges and Resilience Like many in the industry, Lubega has faced challenges, including non-payment for projects and opposition from peers. However, he attributes his success to patience, prayer, side hustles, consistency, and respect. These qualities have enabled him to overcome obstacles and continue thriving in a competitive industry.

Cultural Advocacy A proud Ugandan, Lubega’s work highlights the richness of African culture and languages. He incorporates his local language and respects Uganda’s diverse cultures in his performances, ensuring that his movies carry the essence of a true African actor.

Advice and Vision To aspiring filmmakers, Lubega emphasizes: "Patience is key. Be respectful, work hard to improve your skills, attend workshops, have a side hustle, and belong to a professional film body." His vision includes acting in world-class projects while continuing to work on local series to grow his fan base and promote Uganda’s film industry.

The Future of Ugandan Film Lubega sees a bright future for the Ugandan film industry. Despite challenges such as the lack of a film commission or dedicated film office, he acknowledges the progress made through festivals like UFF and increasing government recognition. He believes storytelling has the power to shape perceptions of Uganda’s talent and articulate the nation’s artistic potential on a global scale.

Connect with Lubega Salman Edris Follow Lubega’s journey and updates on his projects via TikTok, Instagram (loubegaedriss), and Facebook (loubegaedriss).

Fun Fact: Lubega’s audience might be surprised to learn that he has a white child, a unique and personal detail that adds depth to his remarkable story.