Mariam Ndagire is a Ugandan actress, singer, filmmaker, director and producer who has spent over 30 years building her career in the entertainment industry.
Mariam Ndagire’s Entry into Uganda’s Film Industry
Before joining the film industry, Mariam Ndagire had already established herself as an actress through theatre for she had begun performing at the age of 15 while still a student at Kampala High School.
In 1987, she joined the Black Pearls theatre group, where she participated in several stage productions until 1993.
She later worked with fellow actors Kato Lubwama and Ashraf Simwogerere to form the Diamonds’ Ensemble, where they continued writing and performing plays enabling her to develop her acting skills and understand how to bring different characters and stories to life.
Having gained experience in acting and writing stage plays, in 2007 Mariam Ndagire chose to move beyond theatre and music instead venture into film production. She wanted to explore a different way of telling stories and reaching audiences.
Her Journey as an Actress
She started by investing money she had earned from her music career into her film production company, Trendz Studioz. Her first major film project was Down This Road I Walk (2007), which she wrote, directed, produced and also acted in which led to her breakthrough. This marked the beginning of her journey as a filmmaker and opened the door to more film projects in Uganda.
As Ndagire began taking responsibility for different stages of filmmaking, from developing stories and writing scripts to directing and producing movies it contributed to Uganda’s growing film industry.
Her Work as a Film Director and Producer
As she moved into the film industry Ndagire did more than act, taking on writing, directing responsibilities and she went to work on production in several films including Strength of a Stranger (2008), Hearts in Pieces (2009), Where We Belong (2011) and Dear Mum (2012) as developed projects under her production company,Trendz Studios.
Her work later extended to television productions, including Tendo Sisters, Anything But Love and BA-AUNT. Through these projects, she continued creating opportunities to tell local stories while bringing together different actors and production team also taking on roles both in front of and behind the camera.
Other movies that Mariam Ndagire worked on.
Over the years that continued Mariam did stop producing more films in Uganda. She later expanded her film portfolio with productions such as Belated Trouble (2013), Nsaali (2017), On the Other Side (2020) and My Husband’s Wife (2021).
She also appeared in Kafa Coh (2022), demonstrating her continued involvement in acting alongside her work behind the camera in production.
Her productions have explored subjects such as relationships, marriage, family challenges and everyday social experiences, giving audiences stories they can relate to.
Her work as a director and producer has therefore been an important part of her contribution to Uganda’s film industry.
Establishing a Film Centre to Mentor Upcoming Filmmakers
Apart from making films, In 2010 Mariam Ndagire invested in developing the next generation of Ugandan actors and filmmakers establishing the Mariam Ndagire Film and Performing Arts Centre.
Through the centre she has provided training and guidance to individuals interested in different areas of film production.
The centre’s training covers important filmmaking skills, including scriptwriting, camera handling, cinematography, film directing, sound production and editing helping aspiring creatives gain practical skills and some of the famous actors who have received training there include Sarah Kisauzi, Doreen Mirembe, Ronnie Nkalubo and Veronica Nakayo and many more.
In May 2025, the centre partnered with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to organise a free five-day film production workshop attended by more than 50 participants from different parts of Uganda and Juba, South Sudan covering areas such as scriptwriting, camera handling, editing, sound, directing and cinematography.
By sharing her experience and creating opportunities for others to learn, Ndagire has helped prepare more young people to participate in Uganda’s film and performing arts industry hence raising Uganda’s Film Industry.
Her Contribution to the Growth of Uganda’s Film Industry
Apart from acting, directing and producing movies Mariam Ndagire has contributed to Uganda’s film industry by finding ways to make locally produced films reach wider audiences and create more opportunities for Ugandan filmmakers.
In September 2024, she launched a film marketing, promotion and distribution agency aimed at connecting Ugandan filmmakers with potential buyers of locally produced movies. The initiative was intended to address one of the challenges facing the local film industry getting completed films to the market and finding audiences willing to watch them.
Mariam Ndagire has also contributed to Uganda’s film industry with her commitment to telling stories that reflect the lives, culture and experiences of Ugandans. She believes that local films should address issues that audiences can relate to rather than simply copying stories from other countries.
Through her film projects, training programmes and distribution efforts, Ndagire has taken part in different areas of the industry, from developing stories to helping other creatives find opportunities to showcase their work.
Awards and recognition for her contribution to Uganda’s film industry
Mariam Ndagire’s work in Uganda’s film industry has earned her recognition at both local and international film events. In June 2023, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Uganda Film Festival, which was celebrating its 10th anniversary and the award recognised her contribution to the development of Uganda’s film industry through acting, writing, directing and producing.
Her film My Husband’s Wife (2021) also received recognition at the Pearl International Film Festival, where it won Best Ugandan Feature Film in 2021. The production earned additional nominations, including Best Director and Best Screenplay for Ndagire.
She has also received recognition beyond individual film productions, including the African Film Legend Award from the African Film Festival (TAFF) in 2026, celebrating her work and influence in African cinema.
These honours show the recognition her work has received over the years and her continued involvement in raising Uganda’s film industry.
