Uganda to shine globally through film partnership

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The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) has announced a strategic public-private partnership with Hollywood’s Ryder Media and the private office of chief Nana Dakrabo I to produce major films about Uganda’s heritage.

This historic collaboration marks the beginning of a landmark project designed to showcase Uganda’s rich history, cultural vibrancy, and economic transformation to the world.

This partnership, which centres on the creation of a high-impact docuseries, aligns perfectly with PACEID’s broader mission to elevate Uganda as a premier destination for investment, tourism, and exports.

Through this film project, Uganda will not only narrate its own story but will also establish itself as a key player in the growing global film industry—a critical aspect of Uganda's creative economy that has the potential to drive both cultural and economic growth.

Hollywood Producer Jojo Ryder with his team at the Equator. (Credit: PACEID)

Recognizing the powerful potential of film and media as export commodities, PACEID has identified these sectors as a vital tool for showcasing Uganda’s rich heritage, boosting its global visibility, and attracting investment.

"This partnership goes beyond just producing films; it’s about laying the foundation for a global movement that will elevate Uganda’s presence in international markets, attract global investment, and position the creative sector as a vital pillar of our export economy," said Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman of PACEID.

"Through this collaboration, we are not just exporting films, we are exporting our culture, our people, and our national identity to the world."

At the heart of this ambitious project is JoJo Ryder, a renowned Hollywood creator, producer, and executive who has an impressive portfolio of work spanning across some of Hollywood’s most memorable productions.

Ryder’s past projects include American Heist, starring Adrien Brody and Hayden Christensen, Talks with Mama Tina, featuring Zendaya and Kevin Hart, and A Little White Lie, starring Kate Hudson and Michael Shannon. These projects have earned critical acclaim, including Daytime Emmy and Oscar nominations, establishing Ryder as one of Hollywood's most accomplished producers.

For Ryder, the partnership represents an exciting opportunity to bring Uganda’s unique narrative to a global audience. "Our trip to Uganda in January 2025 was an eye-opening experience," Ryder reflected. "We saw firsthand the energy, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that define the Ugandan people.

The country's natural beauty, coupled with its dynamic growth, makes it a story that deserves to be told to the world. We are thrilled to partner with PACEID and Chief Nana Dakrabo I to bring this vision to life and introduce Uganda as a creative powerhouse in Africa."

With guidance from President Yoweri Museveni who initiated the idea, Government has set an ambitious target of growing Uganda’s economy tenfold from the current $54b to over $500b in the next 15 years. Within the same plan, Government targets to grow earnings from tourism to $50b at the end of the next 15 years.

President Yoweri Museveni (C) with Hollywood producer Jojo Ryder (R) and Chief Nana Dakrabo I (L). (Credit: PACEID)

This docuseries will not only highlight Uganda’s historical evolution and cultural richness but also delve into the remarkable economic transformation underway in the country. From its burgeoning industries to the incredible entrepreneurial spirit of its people, Uganda is on an exciting trajectory, and this project seeks to position it as a major global destination for film and investment.

The partnership also has the potential to transform Uganda into one of Africa's premier film production hubs. With world-class storytelling expertise from Ryder Media, combined with the country's vast untapped potential and the growing interest in African cinema, this initiative is poised to make a profound impact on Uganda's economy and global standing.

As filming prepares to commence, this collaboration promises to be one of the most ambitious media projects ever undertaken in Uganda. It presents an unparalleled opportunity to attract foreign investors, foster cultural exchange, and boost Uganda’s presence in the international film landscape.

By telling Uganda’s story through the lens of Hollywood production expertise, this project will bring the world’s attention to the immense potential the country has to offer—across industries, cultures, and borders.