Drowning prevention cannot rest on the passenger alone. Boat owners, event organisers, regulators and communities each carry responsibility before any vessel enters the water. Between the greetings and conversations at this morning’s Balance the Boat premiere, one point keeps returning: preventing another tragedy requires clear safety standards, consistent enforcement and the courage to stop a journey when something is wrong. Remembering the MV Templer tragedy must influence how we organise, regulate and travel on our waters today. #BalanceTheBoat #DrowningPrevention #OmanyiOkuwuga #ReachAHandAfrica

Young people often ask how they should turn talent into a career. My response today was practical: identify the problem your skill solves, understand who values the solution and develop a model through which they will pay for it. Talent becomes an enterprise when it consistently creates value. #USEAFacesofImpact #ReachAHandUganda

Talent is an opportunity, but opportunity needs work. At USEA Faces of Impact, my message was that young people should develop their abilities into services, businesses and solutions which create income and improve their communities. Your passion should build more than attention. It should build value. #USEAFacesofImpact #ReachAHandUganda

From the Nile to Johannesburg, Uganda’s creative energy has arrived! 🇺🇬🇿🇦 The Ugandan delegation is here for iKON Activate South Africa, ready to meet African filmmakers, exchange ideas, visit film sets and explore co-productions. Karibuni team Uganda! #iKONActivate #iKONAwards2026 #ReachAHandAfrica

We went to the Elgon region, West Nile, Kasese and Katereza to listen. Same message everywhere: the talent is here, the stories are here and the passion is also. Filmmakers need a platform for collaboration, distribution and markets. That’s what the #iKONSociety Creative Exchanges are here to build, with creatives, not for them. #iKONAwards2026

Katereza gave us an evening filled with honest conversation, creative energy and confidence in the future of film in Western Uganda. At the iKON Society Creative Exchange for the Western Region, filmmakers shared their experiences, ideas and ambitions. We discussed collaboration, production support, distribution and stronger pathways for local films to reach audiences. I left Katereza encouraged by the talent and shared purpose around the fireside. We will keep listening and build the iKON Society alongside the creatives shaping Uganda’s film industry. #iKONSociety #iKONAwards2026

I want every filmmaker and creative we meet to understand one thing: we want to walk this journey with you. From Elgon to West Nile and now Kasese, the iKON Society Creative Exchange has brought us into direct conversation with the people building Uganda’s film industry across the regions. These exchanges are helping us shape the iKON Society around the experiences and priorities of Uganda’s filmmakers. These are some of the words of encouragement I shared with the creative community in Kasese. #iKONSociety #iKONAwards2026

Yesterday in Kasese, the Brave Girls Festival 2026 Tournament carried a clear message: girls deserve to pursue their dreams, stay in school and complete their education. The tournament gave girls space to compete, demonstrate their talent and receive recognition. Our responsibility is to extend this support beyond the pitch by strengthening efforts to prevent teenage pregnancy, child marriage, gender-based violence and other barriers affecting girls’ futures. We also dedicated the tournament to the memory of our patron, His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, whose commitment to young people continues to guide our work. I thank our Boards, partners, participating schools, Kasese District leadership, FUFA, the Reach A Hand Africa team and every girl who participated. These highlights capture the talent, confidence and commitment from Kasese. #BraveGirlsFestival2026 #ReachAHandAfrica

Happening now in Kasese! 🎬 Tonight, I am hosting filmmakers and creatives from across the Rwenzori region to discuss their work, the barriers they face and the support they need to reach wider audiences. Their experiences must inform how we build the iKON Society and Uganda’s film industry. #iKONSociety #iKONAwards2026