Rehema Nanfuka is a distinguished Ugandan actress, director, and filmmaker renowned for her impactful work in film, theatre, and television across East Africa. Born on May 25, 1986, she has earned acclaim for her versatile roles in films such as Imani, Veronica’s Wish, Imbabazi, The Girl in the Yellow Jumper, Queen of Katwe, and Imperial Blue. Notably, she became the first female to win the Best Director award at the Uganda Film Festival in 2018, marking a significant achievement for women in Ugandan cinema.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Rehema Nanfuka |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 25 May 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Jinja, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Actress, Director, Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Producer |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $100,000 and $450,000 |
Early Life and Education
Born in Jinja, Uganda, on May 25, 1986, Rehema Nanfuka spent her early years in the Basuta neighborhood of Jinja.
She attended Seeta Boarding Primary School before moving on to Kibuli Secondary School and Kawempe Muslim Secondary School for her secondary education.
She later enrolled at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), pursuing a degree in international business. However, during her time at university, she discovered a passion for the performing arts.
After initially turning down a supporting role following an unsuccessful audition, she eventually embraced acting, which set her on the path to a successful career in entertainment.
Career
Rehema’s acting journey began in 2008 when she joined the Maisha Film Lab, an initiative by Mira Nair.
Her debut role was a housewife in the film Downcast (2008). This experience, coupled with mentorship from international professionals, helped her develop her craft.
Her major breakthrough came with the 2010 film Imani, directed by Caroline Kamya, where she played the role of Mary the maid.
This performance earned her widespread recognition and two prestigious awards: the Africa Movie Academy Award for Most Promising Actress and the Best Actress Award at the African Film Festival of Cordoba, Spain, both in 2010.
Following Imani, Nanfuka continued to build a strong portfolio. She starred in Imbabazi, The Pardon (2013), a film about the Rwandan genocide, earning her a Best Actress nomination at the Festival du Cinéma Africain de Khouribga in Morocco.
On television, she gained acclaim for her role as Suzanna in the series Yat Madit (2016), which explores post-conflict recovery in Northern Uganda. This role earned her the Best Actress TV Drama award at the Uganda Film Festival in 2017.
Her international exposure includes a role as a nurse in Disney’s Queen of Katwe (2016). Other notable films include Imperial Blue (2019) and The Girl in the Yellow Jumper (2020).
Directing and Writing
In 2018, Nanfuka made history by becoming the first woman to win the Best Director award at the Uganda Film Festival for Veronica’s Wish.
Initially approached to act in the film, she chose to direct and recommended the lead role to writer Nisha Kalema. The film was a major success, garnering 11 nominations and winning 9 awards at the festival.
Her recent directorial work includes Nkinzi (2024), which won multiple awards including Best Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay at the 12th Uganda Film Festival.
Theatre
Rehema has also been active in theatre, performing in classical and contemporary plays. Her portrayal of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s Macbeth was highly praised for its depth and expressiveness.
Other notable stage roles include Estelle in Jean Paul Sartre’s No Exit and performances in Betrayal in the City, One Man One Wife, and Visions of Destiny.
Personal Life
Rehema Nanfuka keeps her personal life private, focusing primarily on her career and her efforts to empower women in the film industry. She is based in Kampala, Uganda, where she continues to work on various creative projects.
Rehema Nanfuka Net Worth
Rehema Nanfuka’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, but based on her extensive career as an award-winning actress, director, and filmmaker in Uganda and internationally, her estimated net worth likely ranges between $100,000 and $450,000.
This range reflects her sustained success and influence in the East African film industry.
Filmography
Film
Acting Roles:
- Downcast (2008)
- Imani (2010)
- The Pardon (2010)
- Chips and Liver Girls (2010)
- Imbabazi (2013)
- Haunted Souls (2013)
- The Road We Travel (2015)
- Queen of Katwe (2016)
- Facing North (2018)
- Kyenvu (2018)
- Imperial Blue (2019)
- The Girl in the Yellow Jumper (2020)
- King of Darkness (2022)
- Kafa Coh (2022)
Directorial Credits:
- Veronica’s Wish (2018)
- Nkinzi (2024)
Writing Credits:
- Haunted Souls (2013)
- Kyaddala (2022)
- Damalie (2023)
- Nkinzi (2024)
Television
- Reflections (2016)
- Yat Madit (2016-2017)
Awards and Nominations
Awards
- 2010 Africa Movie Academy Award – Most Promising Actress (Imani)
- 2010 African Film Festival of Cordoba – Best Actress (Imani)
- 2017 Uganda Film Festival – Best Actress TV Drama (Yat Madit)
- 2018 Uganda Film Festival – Best Director (Veronica’s Wish)
- 2025 Uganda Film Festival – Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay (Nkinzi)
Nominations
- 2015 Festival du Cinéma Africain de Khouribga – Best Actress (Imbabazi)
- 2019 ZAFAA Global Awards – Multiple nominations for Veronica’s Wish
Rehema Nanfuka remains a trailblazer in Ugandan cinema, inspiring many through her artistic talent and leadership in the industry.
