Ugandan stars shine at Ikon Film Awards with African Glam Fashion

Kampala’s red carpet was set ablaze as Ugandan film stars brought their fashion A-game to the Ikon Film Awards on Saturday night at the Kampala Serena Hotel.

Embracing the "African glam formal" dress code, attendees dazzled in everything from couple-coordinated outfits to cowrie-shell embellishments and kikoyi-themed designs.

Ladies looking great in kikooyi and kitengi dresses

The night’s standout couples were the Nabwiso’s and Denis Junior Dhikusooka with his wife, who turned heads in striking kikoyi-inspired ensembles. Meanwhile, most ladies opted for floor-length gowns that accentuated their figures.

Musician Eddy Kenzo handing over the African Ikon Award to Patience Ozokwor. Photo by Ignatius Kamya

The makeup duo of Joana "Jojo" Nabakiibi and Latifah Nabatanzi became the talk of the event, adorned in cowrie shells, gourds, and woven baskets layered over fabric.

In a special moment, organizers honored Nigerian screen legend Patience Ozokwor with a gomesi as a gift.

Abby Mukiibi (central) posing with a Life time achievement award at the Ikon Awards 2025. Photo by Ignatius Kamya

Joana Jojo Nabakiibi and Latifah Nabatanzi took home the award of Best Make Up and special effects during the lions of Buganda film. Photo by Ignatius Kamya

Below were the winners on the night

BEST FILM

 Makula, NISHA KALEMA

BEST DIRECTOR

Nisha Kalema, Dan Mugisha, MAKULA

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Issa Massade Yusuf, SOCCER HEART

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Pelly Peninah Nampanga, MARIA

BEST SCREENPLAY

MAKULA, Nisha Kalema

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Alex Ireeta, Soccer Heart

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Bwanika Baale Felix - SSEKUKKULU

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Nana Kagga - MARIA

BEST TV SERIES

SANYU, Mathew Nabwiso

BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES

Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga, SANYU

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES

Diana Nabatanzi, JDC

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

MARIA, Tazibone Solomon

BEST MAKEUP AND SPECIAL EFFECTS

THE LIONS OF BUGANDA, Nabakiibi Joana Jojo, Latifah Nabatanzi, Rutaro Abell

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

MAKULA, Imran Musabbeh

BEST SOUND DESIGN

KARAMOJA, Isiko Abubaker

BEST EDITING

SOCCER HEART, Kizito Sudaisy Sebowa

BEST ANIMATION FILM

KATALEYA, Denis Junior Dhikusooka

BEST DOCUMENTARY

A HISTORY OF FILM IN UGANDA, Timothy Niwamanya

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

THE LIONS OF BUGANDA, Patrick Chris Black, Faysal Mukalazi

BEST SHORT FILM

JIMBI, Tusabe Ivan
 

BEST STUDENT FILM

THE CHICKEN THIEF, Enock Timothy Jjemba

EMERGING FILM AWARD

SSEKUKKULU - Sharon Ishimwe

IKON RISING STAR

Iradukunda Rebecca Hope
LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga
IKON RISING STAR – AFRICA

Liyabona Mroqoza

AFRICAN IKON AWARD

Patience Ozokwor  and Kanayo O. Kanayo
 IKON FELLOWSHIP - FILM OF THE YEAR

Take My Hand