(Ecofin Agency) - In Uganda, media group Vision Group and Wakaliwood Film Productions have partnered to promote local film production. Vision Group’s CEO, Robert Kabushenga, said media houses should give their best in the production of local content.

Kabushenga’s press group publishes newspapers, magazines, and manages internet platforms. He also owns TV channels, radio stations and has assets in the advertising and distribution sectors. Listed in the Uganda Stock Exchange, the firm had, in 2011, a capital of Sh60 billion ($17.8 million).

Robert Kabushenga promised to broadcast productions of Wakaliwood Film Productions, starting with the popular “Who Killed Captain Alex” movie shot in 2010. The movie will be aired during the long Easter break.

“This is how the film industry can grow, become big and eventually film stars can represent us a country by bringing Ugandan stories to the world,” Kabushenga said.

In response, Wakaliwood’s head, Isaac Nabwana, said needs are rising, including mostly financial and material means for production. Despite these challenges, the studio produced 46 feature films. These however are pirated and sold at Sh500, thus 1.5 cents less than the original versions.

Isaac Nabwana added that small producers make their movies with $20-$200. “I don’t even call it low-budget,” he said.

Assongmo Necdem