Walukhu Simon Peter: Championing Upcountry Talent in Ugandan Film

From Mbale City to the broader Ugandan film stage, Walukhu Simon Peter is leading the charge to uplift untapped talent in Bugisu Sub-region.

Walukhu Simon Peter, a dedicated film actor, director, and cinematographer from Mbale City in Uganda’s Bugisu Subregion, has been passionately involved in the film industry since 2003. His journey began with a simple video tape camera, sparking a love for acting and storytelling that continues to drive him today.

Despite the challenges of working in Uganda’s upcountry regions, where resources and support for filmmaking are scarce, Simon has made remarkable strides. His projects include acting in Bugawood Films, co-producing the Kadaga web series, and creating his own local web series, Kyawangoyo. Produced during the pandemic with limited resources, Kyawangoyo stands as a testament to his determination and the collaborative spirit of his community.

Simon highlights the struggles of upcountry filmmakers, particularly the lack of equipment and the high costs of hiring gear from Kampala. However, he takes pride in fostering young talent through his local film club, proving that Mbale is now competing with Kampala for creative space. “The narrative has changed,” he says, “Upcountry is now making projects that match the city.”

He envisions a future where film is more than just entertainment but a tool for business, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. His dream is to establish a hub to train ghetto youths in film production, providing them with skills to steer clear of crime and become assets to their communities.

For Simon, storytelling is vital for preserving culture and connecting younger generations to their heritage. Through his work, he seeks to highlight the rich traditions of his community while inspiring others to see the potential of filmmaking as a powerful medium for change.

Simon draws inspiration from the shifting dynamics of Uganda’s film industry, where upcountry filmmakers are now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their urban counterparts. He encourages aspiring filmmakers to view film as a business and embrace its potential for cultural and economic growth.

Looking to the future, Simon is optimistic about the Ugandan film industry’s trajectory and urges stakeholders like TAIM AFRICA to continue advocating for the best interests of African storytelling on the global stage.

Follow his work and projects on YouTube:

• Kyawangoyo on YouTube
• Other Works on YouTube.

Simon’s love for film runs deep, as he humbly states, “Film is me.”