Kampala, Uganda – “Tuko Pamoja” (We Are One) docuseries by Evelyn Cindy Magara (PhD) and Nyati Motion Pictures will hit cinemas with 13 premieres starting from February to June 2024. “Tuko Pamoja” is a documentary film series that explores Uganda’s heroes and unity in diversity.
Written by Rogers Atukunda and directed by Dr. Magara, a Lecturer of Film and Literature at Makerere University, the film delves into the unifying geopolitical and geolinguistic aspects of 1870-1900 Uganda and the historical relationships between the peoples of the Great Lakes Region.
The segments that will have independent premieres include Bunyoro-Kitara, Buganda, Busoga, Tooro, Ankole, Kigezi, Breakaway Kingdoms, The Luo, The Ateker, The Peoples of Rwenzori, The Peoples of Eastern Uganda, West Nile, and finally, Uganda: The Making of a Nation.
Nyati Motion Pictures, a Ugandan film production company operating since 2006, is renowned for films such as “Fate” (2006), “Fair Play” (2010), “Windows of Hope” (2011), “A Book for Every Child” (2012), and many others. Nyati is also known for groundbreaking work, producing Uganda’s first independent professional film, “Fate,” which screened at Cineplex and on DStv’s African Magic in 2007. Currently, Nyati is working on a significant project to bring Uganda’s history to the screen.
Why “Tuko Pamoja” now?
“This film aims to foster cohesion since our pre-colonial history shows that we are one” (“Tuko Pamoja”), and our different tribes (nations) were geographical emblems that should continue to define but not divide us. This is because our pre-colonial history shows that Uganda already existed in terms of politics and language, and the people continue to propagate the division seed sowed by colonialists,” said Director Dr. Cindy Magara.
“The colonialists wanted to see us divided on, for example, tribal lines, to subjugate us. When we all know this history, it will reduce ethnic tensions,” she added.
According to Dr. Magara, the story is relevant to contemporary East Africa as the region struggles to foster unity through a confederation of states such as the East African Community and the African Union.
“By retracing the historical footsteps of Omukama Kabaleega of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, King Mwanga of Buganda Kingdom, Chief Awich of Payira, and Queen Muhumuza of Kigezi, among others, as some of the major players, especially in the resistance against British imperialism from the 1870s to 1900, we learn about the origin of the people of Uganda and the nations (kingdoms) they belonged to that later morphed into Uganda.”
She went on: “The film tackles key issues the continent is grappling with, including democracy, neo-colonialism, integration, peace, and stability.”
Audiences have already had a sneak peek of what to expect on February 3, 2024, through trailers on their YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@Nyatimotionpictures).
The first six segments will premiere at the National Theatre starting with Bunyoro-Kitara (Sat. Feb 3 at 3:00-7:30 pm), Buganda (Sunday Feb 11 at 6:00-9:00 pm), Busoga (Wed. Feb 21 at 5:00-9:00 pm), Ankole (Wed. Feb 28 at 5:00-9:00), ‘Ango’ Peoples (Sun March 10 at 2:00-6:00 pm), and Peoples of Eastern Uganda (Sat. March 23 at 3:00-7:00 pm).
The last seven segments will premiere at Ndere Centre along Ntinda-Kisasi Road starting with Tooro (Sat. 6th April at 3:00-8:00 pm), The Luo (Sat. 20th April at 3:00-8:00 pm), Kigezi (Sat. 4th May at 3:00-8:00 pm), Lado Enclave: West Nile (Sat. 11th May at 3:00-8:00 pm), Breakaway States (Sat. 18th May at 3:00-7:00 pm), Kingdoms of the Mountains of the Moon (25th May at 3:00-7:00 pm), and Uganda: The Making of a Nation (1st June at 3:00-7:00 pm).
The premiere will be followed by weekly screenings of each segment at Ham Cinemax (Wandegeya) and Makerere University (Food Science, auditorium) from February 4 to June 8, 2024. Later, the film will be screened in all major towns across the country.
Tickets for each segment premiere go for Shs50,000, while tickets for daily screenings go for Shs20,000 (Adults) and Shs10,000 (Students and Children). You can pay for your ticket using Airtel Merchant Code: 6522403 or MTN Merchant Code: 584156 or Mobile Money at 0778 787660. To book your ticket, Call or WhatsApp 0778 787660.
For more information, please contact: Nyati Motion Pictures at 0778 787660 (WhatsApp) Email: nyatimotionpictures@gmail.com Follow on Facebook: @NyatiMotionpictures. Twitter: @NyatiMPictures Visit the website: www.nyatimotionpictures.com
