Next Media & Ugandan Producers: A New Era for Film Distribution and Monetisation
On 17th March 2026, a strategic meeting spearheaded by The Uganda Federation of Movie Industry (UFMI) brought together key industry stakeholders and Kin Kariisa from Next Media to explore transformative opportunities for Uganda’s film industry.
The discussion marked a significant step toward building a more sustainable, profitable, and globally competitive ecosystem for Ugandan filmmakers.
Rethinking Distribution: The Afromobile Model
At the heart of the conversation was Afromobile, positioned as a central distribution platform for Ugandan content.
A key proposal introduced a telecom-integrated model where audiences can access content through bundled data packages—removing the burden of paying separately for internet, platform subscriptions, and content.
Proposed Revenue Share Model:
- Producers – 60%
- Telecoms – 20%
- Afromobile – 20%
The goal is to finalize agreements with all stakeholders within three weeks, setting the stage for a more inclusive and scalable revenue system.
Financing the Future of Ugandan Film
One of the most promising outcomes of the meeting was the potential for structured financial support for producers.
Next Media is exploring the establishment of a content fund that would:
- Provide upfront advances to filmmakers as their content monetises
- Act as collateral with Uganda Development Bank (UDB) to unlock production financing
This approach could significantly reduce one of the industry’s biggest barriers: access to capital.
However, this opportunity comes with a clear expectation—content quality standards must be defined and upheld to maintain audience trust and platform credibility.
Beyond Borders: Expanding Distribution Channels
In addition to hosting content locally, Afromobile aims to distribute Ugandan films to global platforms such as:
- Netflix
- Apple (Apple TV)
- Canal+
This multi-platform strategy opens new revenue streams while increasing global visibility for Ugandan stories.
The platform will also support Pay-Per-View (PPV) models, offering flexible monetisation options for producers.
Exclusivity vs Accessibility
A critical element of the proposed model is an exclusivity clause.
Content hosted on Afromobile must remain exclusive to the platform to prevent competition with free platforms like YouTube. However, distribution on international platforms such as Netflix or Amazon remains permissible.
This balance aims to protect value while still enabling global reach.
Powering Projects Through Strategic Marketing
Next Media has committed to providing full-scale marketing support for selected projects, including:
- Television promotion
- Billboard placements
- Strategic advertising campaigns
This level of support could significantly elevate the visibility and commercial success of Ugandan productions.
Industry Challenges: Piracy and Regulation
The meeting also addressed ongoing regulatory concerns, particularly piracy and enforcement gaps.
There is a growing need for joint action between:
- Uganda Federation of Movie Industry (UFMI)
- Producers Guild of Uganda (PGU)
- Next Media
To engage the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and strengthen enforcement against content piracy, especially among broadcasters.
A Wake-Up Call on Content Valuation
An important insight shared during the meeting highlighted that some foreign films are acquired for as little as $60.
This benchmark was strongly discouraged for Ugandan producers, as it undermines the value of local content. However, the reality remains that some filmmakers accept such rates due to limited distribution opportunities.
This underscores the urgency of building stronger, fairer monetisation systems.
Original Content & Co-Productions
Next Media also expressed interest in commissioning original productions and entering co-production agreements.
These partnerships will involve:
- Shared funding
- Shared intellectual property (IP) ownership
This model not only reduces risk but also strengthens collaboration within the industry.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Content Consumption
A bold projection from the meeting suggests that within the next three years, internet access could become nearly free, shifting the primary cost for audiences to the content itself.
If realized, this shift would redefine the economics of the film industry—placing even greater emphasis on quality, storytelling, and strategic distribution.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Ugandan Film
As noted by Mathew Nabwiso, President of PGU and Vice Chairman of UFMI, this collaboration signals a turning point.
The proposed partnership between Next Media and industry stakeholders has the potential to:
- Unlock financing
- Strengthen distribution
- Improve monetisation
- Elevate Ugandan content globally
The next three weeks will be critical in determining how these ideas translate into action—but one thing is clear:
The future of Ugandan film is being intentionally built.