Aganza Kisaka is a prominent Ugandan actress, playwright, director, theatre producer, and published author who has established herself as a pivotal figure in East African theatre and film. Born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, she hails from a strong artistic lineage of creatives who have made meaningful contributions to Ugandan culture through music, visual art, and drama.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Aganza Kisaka |
| Date of Birth | N/A |
| Place of Birth | Kampala, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| State of Origin | Kampala region, Uganda |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | Expecting (as of 2025) |
| Occupations | Actress, Playwright, Director, Producer, Author, Entrepreneur, Coach |
| Net Worth | $500,000-$1.5 million |
Early Life and Education
Born and raised amid Kampala’s vibrant hills, Aganza Kisaka drew inspiration from her artistic family heritage while navigating life as the only girl with three brothers. This upbringing instilled resilience that shaped her path in performance. She pursued higher education at New York University Abu Dhabi, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a Psychology focus, guided toward the stage despite initial interests in counseling.
Later, she obtained a Master’s in Education from Unicaf University, researching performing arts policies in Ugandan tertiary institutions. These experiences honed her skills in acting, directing, and leadership, blending academic rigor with practical artistry.
Career
Aganza Kisaka excels across acting, writing, directing, and production in Uganda’s evolving entertainment scene. Returning home after studies, she tackled industry hurdles like modest pay and scarce roles, yet built a strong profile through persistent work in series and films.
Key acting highlights include her award-winning portrayal of Sanyu in Faithful and Rehema in N.S.I.W.E., alongside roles in 27 Guns and Tsu’pa. As a playwright, she debuted with Black at the Kampala International Theatre Festival, exploring race and identity, followed by the satirical Killing Time. Directing milestones feature My Fair Lady and She Loves Me, both landmark musicals with large casts in Uganda.
She founded Yenze Theatre Conservatoire to train artists in acting, movement, and voice, offering management and production support. Her literary contributions include award-winning poetry and stories on depression and femininity, while short films like Vanilla earned festival selections.
Personal Life
Aganza Kisaka keeps much of her private world under wraps, focusing public attention on her art. Her family ties remain a cornerstone, with brothers providing ongoing encouragement amid her busy schedule.
As of mid-2025, she shared news of her pregnancy, marking a new phase alongside her professional demands.
Net Worth
Aganza Kisaka’s net worth is estimated at $500,000 to $1.5 million as of 2025. This figure accounts for her diverse income from acting roles, theatre directing and production, literary publications, and operations at Yenze Theatre Conservatoire, including classes, artist management, and festival participations.
Filmography
Films and Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | How It Feels to Be a Virgin | Lead |
| 2016 | N.S.I.W.E | Rehema |
| 2016 | Faithful | Sanyu |
| 2016 | Break In | Supporting |
| 2017 | Tsu’pa | Dr. Aggie |
| 2018 | 27 Guns | Proscovia Nalweyiso |
| 2021 | Black Glove | Grace |
| 2021 | Keycard | Grace |
| 2022 | Vanilla | Director/Writer |
| 2023 | Maid of Honor | Kate |
| 2023 | When You Become Me | Co-writer |
| 2024 | Omuwendo | Director/Writer |
| 2024 | Shiny Suit | Director |
Theatre Productions (as Director/Producer)
| Year | Production | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | My Fair Lady | Director & Eliza Doolittle | 35-member cast |
| 2024 | She Loves Me | Lead Director & Producer | All-Black cast premiere |
Awards and Nomination
Awards Won
- 2011: Babishai Niwe Poetry Award for “A Hand Swing of Disguised Depravity”
- 2017: Best Actress, Pearl International Film Festival for Faithful
- 2019: Best Supporting Actress, Uganda Film Festival for N.S.I.W.E
Official Selections and Nominations
- 2021: Berlin International Art Film Festival for Vanilla
- 2022: Toronto Black Film Festival for Vanilla
- 2023: Best Screenplay Nomination, Uganda Film Festival for When You Become Me
