Uganda’s film industry—popularly called Ugawood—is growing rapidly, thanks to passionate storytellers, world-class talent, and new streaming platforms. In 2025, more Ugandan actors and actresses are not just making local waves but also appearing on Netflix, Showmax, and other Pan-African productions.

This blog explores the complete and updated list of top Ugandan actors and actresses in 2025, based on their screen presence, popularity, and impact.

Top 10 Ugandan Actors in 2025

1. Mathew Nabwiso

• Profession: Actor, Producer, Director

• Known For: The Hostel, Rain, Sanyu

• 2025 Buzz: Released a powerful youth-focused drama series and continues running Nabwiso Films, a major production company.

2. Raymond Rushabiro

• Profession: Actor

• Known For: Beneath the Lies, Queen of Katwe, 5@Home

• Why He’s Top: Plays strong fatherly roles and is a veteran in Ugandan TV and stage. Starred in a 2025 political drama.

3. Michael Wawuyo Sr.

• Profession: Actor

• Known For: The Last King of Scotland, Reflections

• Legacy: Continues mentoring younger actors and appears in international projects.

4. Musinguzi Travis (aka Travis Taremwa)

• Profession: Actor, Comedian

• Popular For: Short films and online skits

• Why He’s Rising: In 2025, he's expanded into full-length series and a web show that’s now streaming on AfroMobile.

5. Housen Mushema

• Profession: Model, Actor

• Known For: Sanyu, The Hostel

• Fan Appeal: Known for his charming screen presence. Continues landing lead romantic and action roles.

6. Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga

• Profession: Veteran Actor, Broadcaster

• Why He’s Important: Played vital roles in Ugandan classics and still relevant in 2025 as a radio host and TV actor.

7. Mugisha Roger

• Profession: Actor

• Known For: Prestige, The Honorablez

• 2025 Projects: Continues to gain roles in corporate, political, and family dramas.

8. Bukenya Collins (KBS)

• Profession: Actor, Comedian

• Specialty: Short films, sitcoms

• 2025 Update: Lead actor in a hit comedy series sponsored by MTN Uganda.

9. Edwin Sserugo

• Profession: Actor

• Known For: The Kojja, Ttula

• Why He’s Trending: He’s become a social justice figure through powerful drama roles.

10. Denis Kinani

• Profession: Actor

• Buzz in 2025: Featured in a pan-African series about climate activism and youth, showing on Showmax and NTV.

Top 10 Ugandan Actresses in 2025

1. Eleanor Nabwiso

• Profession: Actress, Producer

• Known For: Rain, The Hostel, Sanyu

• 2025 Highlight: Partnered with Mathew Nabwiso to produce award-winning films on women’s empowerment.

2. Natasha Sinayobye

• Profession: Actress, Dancer, Singer

• Known For: Beneath the Lies

• Why She’s Loved: Elegant and versatile. She starred in a 2025 romantic thriller on Showmax.

3. Malaika Nnyanzi

• Profession: Actress, TV Host

• Known For: Bed of Thorns, Kyaddala

• 2025 Buzz: Featured in an international project on mental health and women’s issues.

4. Stellah Nantumbwe (Ellah)

• Profession: Actress, Former Miss Uganda

• Popular Roles: Second Chance, Sanyu

• Recent Work: 2025 saw her producing a docuseries on young African women in film.

5. Ritah Kanya

• Profession: Actress, News Anchor

• Dual Career: Balancing screen acting and real-world journalism, with roles in docudramas and short films.

6. Tania Shakirah Kankindi

• Profession: Actress, Writer

• Known For: Reflections, Kyaddala

• Why She’s Noticed: Powerful storytelling around youth, education, and trauma.

7. Esther Tebandeke

• Profession: Actress, Dancer, Activist

• Known For: Queen of Katwe, Kafa Coh

• 2025 Update: Leads in dance-focused films and projects that empower rural girls.

8. Martha Kay

• Profession: Actress, Comedian, Influencer

• Famous For: Comedy skits, web series

• 2025 Role: Featured in a hit rom-com on AfroMobile.

9. Cleopatra Koheirwe

• Profession: Actress, Radio Host

• Known For: The Hostel, Changes

• Recent Buzz: Returning in 2025 after maternity leave with a series on parenting and career life.

10. Anita Fabiola

• Profession: TV Host, Actress

• Media Star: Hosted Miss Uganda 2025 and had a cameo in a pan-African fashion movie.

Where to Watch Ugandan Films in 2025

• Showmax Africa – For series like Sanyu, Kyaddala, and Prestige

• AfroMobile – Uganda’s hub for streaming web series and short films

• YouTube – Channels like Nabwiso Films, M-Net Uganda, and Vision Group

• NTV Uganda / Spark TV – For live TV drama and talk shows

• Pearl Magic Prime (DSTV) – Original Ugandan telenovelas and reality shows

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is the most popular actor in Uganda in 2025?
Mathew Nabwiso and Raymond Rushabiro are the most prominent male actors.

Q2: Who is the most famous actress in Uganda in 2025?
Eleanor Nabwiso leads due to her roles in top-rated series and her production company’s success.

Q3: Are Ugandan movies on Netflix or Showmax?
Yes. Shows like Sanyu, Kyaddala, and several short films are available on Showmax and YouTube.

Q4: Are Ugandan actors appearing internationally?
Yes. Stars like Malaika Nnyanzi and Esther Tebandeke have featured in cross-border projects.

Q5: Who are the upcoming stars to watch?
Denis Kinani, Musinguzi Travis, and Stellah Nantumbwe are rising in 2025.

Final Thoughts

Uganda’s film and entertainment industry in 2025 is more vibrant than ever, blending raw talent with compelling African stories. From globally recognized actors like Mathew Nabwiso to rising actresses like Malaika Nnyanzi, the Ugandan screen is bold, beautiful, and full of promise.

With access to digital platforms and support for local storytelling, Ugawood is stepping into a new golden era.