Nisha Kalema is a celebrated Ugandan actress, producer, writer, and director, widely regarded as one of the leading figures in Uganda’s film industry. Born in 1993 in Kawempe, a suburb of Kampala, she has gained acclaim for her remarkable versatility and talent. Kalema is especially known for winning the Best Actress award at the Uganda Film Festival three times—in 2015, 2016, and 2018—making her the most decorated actress in that category.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Nisha Kalema |
| Date of Birth | July 23, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Kawempe, Kampala, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Partner | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | 1 (became a mother at age 15) |
| Occupations | Actress, Producer, Writer, Director |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $100,000 and $500,000 USD |
Early Life and Education
Nisha Kalema was born in 1993 in Kawempe, Kampala, Uganda. Raised primarily by her stepmother, she only met her biological mother as a teenager.
Growing up in a large family with 12 brothers and 5 sisters, she attended several schools including St. Charles Lwanga Primary and Kampala High School.
Despite becoming a mother at 15 and facing financial hardships, she completed her education and earned a Certificate in Journalism and Creative Writing in 2013.
Tragedy struck her family in 2012 when her father passed away, and on the same day, one of her step-brothers died in a car accident.
Career
Nisha’s entry into acting was unexpected. In 2014, after graduating but struggling to find work, she accompanied a friend to an audition and was encouraged to try out herself. This led to her first acting role in the TV series “It Can’t Be” on WBS TV.
Her film debut was in “Hanged For Love” (2014), followed by a standout role as Clara in “Galz About Town” (2014), which brought her considerable attention.
In 2015, she starred as Grace in “The Tailor”, a role that earned her the Best Actress award at the Uganda Film Festival.
The following year, she won the same award for her performance as Amelia in “Freedom” (2016), a film she also wrote. Despite challenges with crediting, the film won multiple awards.
Kalema continued to build her portfolio with roles in “Jinxed” (2016), “Ugandan Pollock” (2016), and “The Only Son” (2016).
Her most acclaimed project came in 2018 with “Veronica’s Wish”, a film she produced and starred in, portraying a woman battling cancer. The film swept the Uganda Film Festival Awards, and Kalema won Best Actress for the third time.
In 2024, she co-directed “Makula”, a film about human trafficking that won several awards including Best Feature Film and Best Director at the Uganda Film Festival.
Kalema also serves as head writer for the TV series “Junior Drama Club”, which airs on Pearl Magic channels and has won awards for Best TV Series and Best Actress.
Her work has received international recognition, with stage productions of “Freedom” performed in Scotland and London, and “Veronica’s Wish” winning awards abroad.
Personal Life
Nisha Kalema is known to keep her personal life private. Becoming a mother at 15 significantly influenced her life and career choices.
She originally aspired to be a professional footballer but shifted focus after motherhood.
Growing up in a large family with many siblings, she developed a strong and determined character. She has openly shared the hardships she faced, including discovering her biological mother late and coping with family losses.
Nisha Kalema Net Worth
Industry sources approximate Nisha Kalema’s net worth to be between $100,000 and $500,000 USD, reflecting her status as one of Uganda’s top film professionals.
Filmography
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Hanged For Love | Jackie | Film debut |
| 2014 | Galz About Town | Clara | Breakthrough role |
| 2015 | The Tailor | Grace | Won Best Actress (UFF Awards) |
| 2016 | Freedom | Amelia | Won Best Actress; also writer |
| 2016 | The Only Son | Diana | |
| 2016 | Ugandan Pollock | Lee Krassner | |
| 2016 | Jinxed | Prossy | |
| 2018 | Veronica’s Wish | Veronica | Produced and starred; won Best Actress |
| 2022 | Bedroom Chains | Natasha | Directed by Mageye Hassan |
| 2024 | Makula | – | Co-directed |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | It Can’t Be | – | Acting debut on WBS TV |
| 2016 | Yat Madit | – | Recurring role |
| 2021 | Junior Drama Club | Head writer | Award-winning TV series |
Theatre
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Freedom | Amelia | Performed at Edinburgh Fringe and London |
Awards and Nominations
Major Awards
- Uganda Film Festival Awards
- Best Actress: 2015 (The Tailor), 2016 (Freedom), 2018 (Veronica’s Wish)
- Best Screenplay: 2018 (Veronica’s Wish)
- Best Feature Film: 2018 (Veronica’s Wish), 2024 (Makula)
- Best Director: 2024 (Makula, co-directed)
- Zulu African Film Academy Awards (ZAFAA)
- Best Screenplay: 2019 (Veronica’s Wish)
- Pan African Film Festival
- Jury Prize and Honorable Mention: 2019 (Veronica’s Wish)
- Silicon Valley African Film Festival
- Best Narrative Feature: 2024 (Makula)
- Uganda Film Festival
- Best TV Series: 2023 (Junior Drama Club)
Notable Nominations
- African Movie Academy Awards 2019: Best Achievement in Makeup (Veronica’s Wish)
Nisha Kalema remains a trailblazer in Ugandan cinema, celebrated for her resilience, creativity, and outstanding contributions both in front of and behind the camera.
Her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leading figure in East African film continues to motivate many aspiring artists.
