Usama “Osam” Nyanzi Mukwaya is a distinguished Ugandan filmmaker, screenwriter, director, producer, actor, and former TV host who has emerged as a key figure in Uganda’s film and television industry. Born on December 12, 1989, Mukwaya is celebrated for his authentic storytelling and innovative productions, earning multiple awards and nominations, including recognition from the Africa Movie Academy Awards and Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Usama Osam Nyanzi Mukwaya |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 12, 1989 |
| Place of Birth | Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Partner | Married (name not publicly disclosed) |
| Children | 2 |
| Occupations | Screenwriter, Film Director, Producer, Actor, Former TV Host |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1.5 million |
Early Life and Education
Usama Mukwaya was born on December 12, 1989, in Kampala, Uganda, to Abdullah Mukwaya and Aziidah Mariam. After losing his mother at a young age, he faced several family challenges but remained determined to pursue his education.
He attended various primary and secondary schools across Uganda, including Linnet Primary School and Nyamitanga Secondary School.
Mukwaya later studied information technology at Makerere University and trained in film directing and screenwriting at the Mariam Ndagire Film and Performing Arts Center and the Maisha Film Lab.
Career
Mukwaya began his career in 2009 with Maryland Productions, working as a script editor and actor on the TV drama “Pain of Lies,” which aired in 2011.
His involvement with the Uganda Film Network and Mariam Ndagire Film and Performing Arts Center helped him create his first acclaimed short film, “Hello,” which won best film at the 2010 MNFPAC Students Awards.
Selected among 12 screenwriters at the 7th Maisha Film Lab in 2011, Mukwaya collaborated on the short film “She Likes Prada” (2012).
His breakthrough came as writer and producer of “Bala Bala Sese” (2015), the first Ugandan film to adopt a professional marketing strategy and earn a nomination for Best Film in an African Language at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
He made his directorial debut with “Love Faces” (2018), which won awards for cinematography and best picture. Mukwaya also produced the impactful TV series “Kyaddala,” which addresses real-life social issues affecting African youth and airs on NBS Television.
Between 2018 and 2022, Mukwaya served as Chief Content Officer at Stream Afrique, a subscription streaming platform specializing in African content.
He is also the founder of O Studios Entertainment Ltd., a multimedia production company responsible for numerous successful films and television projects.
Mukwaya produced the inaugural IKON Awards in 2023 and continued with the 2024 and 2025 editions, marking his entry into live television production.
Industry Leadership
He has held leadership roles within Uganda’s film sector, including General Secretary and Treasurer of the Screenwriter’s Guild under the Uganda Film Network. He also programmed the Pearl International Film Festival for several years.
Currently, he serves as Director of Operations at the Ikon Inspire Foundation and is an executive member of the Uganda Film Network.
In 2019, he was awarded a fellowship by the LéO Africa Institute for emerging young leaders.
Personal Life
Mukwaya is married with two children and resides in Kampala. His early life challenges have deeply influenced his creative vision and drive.
Passionate about storytelling as a tool for social and cultural transformation, he believes in creating narratives that shape Africa’s future and leave a lasting legacy.
Usama Mukwaya Net Worth
Usama Mukwaya’s estimated net worth is around $1.5 million, accumulated through his work in film production, directing, screenwriting, and business ventures.
His films have collectively grossed over $10 million worldwide. Despite his success, he is not listed among Uganda’s wealthiest individuals, whose net worths typically exceed $8 million.
Filmography
Director
- Hello (2011) – Short film
- Smart Attempt (2012) – Short film
- In Just Hours (2013) – Short film
- Tiktok (2015) – Short film
- Tales from EDYAC (2015) – Short film
- Kaala (2017) – Short film
- Love Faces (2018) – Feature film
- Kyaddala (2022) – TV series
- Call 112 (2025) – Short film
Producer
- Bala Bala Sese (2015) – Feature film
- Rehema (2017) – Short film
- Love Faces (2018) – Feature film
- Kyaddala (2019–2022) – TV series
- Once Upon A Time (2020) – Short film
- The Blind Date (2021) – Short film
- Sixteen Rounds (2021) – Short film
- Sanyu (2021) – TV series
- The Passenger (2023) – Feature film
- Nambi (2023) – Feature film
- Damalie (2023) – TV series
- IKON Awards (2023–2025) – TV specials
Writer
- Hello (2011) – Short film
- She Likes Prada (2012) – Short film
- Bala Bala Sese (2015) – Feature film
- Rehema (2017) – Short film
- Love Faces (2018) – Feature film
- Chapterz (2021) – TV series
- The Passenger (2023) – Story
- Call 112 (2025) – Short film
Awards and Nominations
Awards
- 2011 Young Achievers Award (Film & TV)
- 2017 Pearl International Film Festival – Best Cinematography for “Love Faces”
- 2018 Viewer’s Choice Movie Awards – Best Cinematography and Best Picture for “Love Faces”
- 2021 Janzi Awards – Outstanding Producer for “Sixteen Rounds” and “The Blind Date”
- 2021 Mashariki African Film Festival – Best Short Film for “Sixteen Rounds”
- 2022 Durban International Film Festival – Best Short Film for “Sixteen Rounds”
- 2023 Uganda Film Festival – Best Indigenous Film
- 2023 Kortfilmfestival Kalmthout – Audience Choice Award for “Nambi”
- 2024 Uganda Film Festival – Best TV Series for “Damalie”
Nominations
- 2016 Africa Movie Academy Awards – Best Film in an African Language for “Bala Bala Sese”
- 2016 Luxor African Film Festival – Grand Nile Prize for “Bala Bala Sese”
- 2016 Africa International Film Festival – Best Feature Film for “Bala Bala Sese”
- 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards – Best Short Film for “Sixteen Rounds”
- 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards – Best Indigenous M-Net Original and Best Scripted M-Net Original for “The Passenger”
- 2024 Zanzibar International Film Festival – Best Feature Film
- 2025 Africa Golden Awards – Best Script Writer
Mukwaya’s impressive tally of 7 wins and 22 nominations highlights his significant impact on African cinema and his status as one of Uganda’s most celebrated filmmakers.
