By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Senior Presidential Advisor also the Secretary General of Pan African Women Organization (PAWO), Dr. Majoro Grace Kabayo has charged Ugandan digital content creators to promote the image of their country and the African continent.
Kaboyo was speaking at the official launch of the second edition of the African Monologues Challenge 2024, taking place in Kampala Uganda. She said there is a lot of negativities surrounding Africa in the digital spaces which ought to be reshaped.
“The African Monologues Challenge (AMC) is also here to diffuse the famous negative monologue. We are saying that as Pan African people, there is more to monologue than negativity. So, we are here to bring out the monologue that makes sense, fun and will carry the African flags higher,” said Dr. Kaboyo.
According to Kaboyo, short films created by individual actors and actresses and content creators when positively utilized can help to reshape the African perception as well as promoting African unity and diversity.
Uganda is hosting the grand finale of the second edition of the ACM after Ugandan young actress Racheal Nduhukiire won the challenge in Ghana.
At least 10 contenders from different Pan African countries are participating in this year’s ACM. They are Mark Agume (Uganda), Ijeome Grace Agu (Nigeria), Maud Guerard (Ivory Coast), Delove Augustt (Ghana), Chimwemwe Chipiza (Zimbabwe), Chadzanso Mwenda (Zammbia), Kelvin Maxwell Ngoma (Malawi), Esther Wanjiru (Kenya), Naluthando Shandu (South Africa), and Jang Afanyuh Gehnjang (Cameroon).
Speaking to journalists shortly after the launch of the challenge, Ruth Kibuuka, Manager content generation at Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said the challenge opens doors for Ugandan creatives to tap into opportunities beyond borders and showcase their unique talents.
“People take more information through visual and videos. We believe that the monologue challenge being multinational is going to create an impact to our lifestyle but also to create a change in the creative sector and other players especially the youth,” she said.
The AMC, aimed at promoting and celebrating African storytelling and acting is powered by the Ghanaian premium casting agency MK Casting, and partnered by the African Chamber of Content Producers among others. The challenge also provides opportunities and exposure for the participants.
This year’ event is also supported by the Uganda Communication Commission, ministries of Presidency, Foreign Affairs, Gender, trade, and ministry of tourism in Uganda. The winner of the AMC would enjoy several benefits, including hosting the next season of the event in their country, casting in a pan-African film produced in their country, and receiving cash prizes and other rewards.
