Film Tourism: Visiting Uganda’s Famous Movie Locations
When Reel Meets Reality in the Pearl of Africa
Cinematic landscapes have long stirred the wanderlust of film lovers, blurring the line between fiction and geography. Across the globe, travelers are drawn to locations immortalized on screen, seeking to stand where stories unfolded and characters came to life. In this growing niche known as film tourism, Uganda emerges as an unexpectedly rich and evocative destination. Revered as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda possesses not only a dramatic physical canvas but also the narrative depth to support powerful storytelling. And it is within these storylines—some drawn from real history, others inspired by natural grandeur—that Uganda’s potential as a world-class film tourism destination reveals itself.
Uganda’s cinematic journey may not be saturated with Hollywood blockbusters, but what it offers is authenticity, raw beauty, and compelling narratives. From gripping biopics to award-winning dramas, the country has provided a visually and emotionally potent backdrop that resonates with both filmmakers and audiences. For travelers intrigued by both cinema and culture, visiting Uganda’s famous movie locations offers a multi-sensory adventure—where history, artistry, and the thrill of location scouting merge into one unforgettable itinerary.
The Last King of Scotland: Tracing the Shadows of History
Perhaps no film has catapulted Uganda into the cinematic spotlight more than the 2006 political drama “The Last King of Scotland.” Set during the brutal regime of Idi Amin, the film garnered international acclaim for Forest Whitaker’s Oscar-winning performance and for its raw portrayal of one of Africa’s darkest chapters. But beyond its storytelling, the film showcased Uganda’s landscapes, cities, and colonial-era architecture, placing the country in full cinematic view.
Filming for “The Last King of Scotland” took place in multiple locations across Uganda, including Kampala, Jinja, and the shores of Lake Victoria. Kampala, the bustling capital, doubled as Amin’s political epicenter, while the countryside surrounding Lake Victoria provided a serene yet haunting contrast to the dictator’s turbulent reign. Today, visitors can stand before the very buildings where these scenes were shot—some of which, like the State House in Entebbe and Mulago Hospital, still echo with historical gravity.
Walking these locations allows travelers not only to relive powerful cinematic moments but also to grapple with Uganda’s complex political past, deepening their appreciation for both the film and the nation’s resilience.
Queen of Katwe: Celebrating Triumph in Kampala’s Heart
In 2016, Disney released “Queen of Katwe,” a film that captured hearts globally while shining a light on the vibrant spirit of Uganda. Based on the real-life story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from Katwe who rises through the ranks of international chess, the film was hailed for its authenticity, heartfelt storytelling, and strong local cast. Directed by Mira Nair, a long-time Uganda resident, the movie was almost entirely shot on location in Kampala, giving it a rawness and cultural precision rarely seen in mainstream cinema.
Katwe, one of Kampala’s most densely populated neighborhoods, became the film’s living stage. Travelers exploring this area today can witness the real-life setting where Phiona grew up, trained, and triumphed. While Katwe itself is still marked by poverty, it is also filled with community initiatives, youth centers, and storytelling projects that continue Phiona’s legacy.
The film also made use of Kampala’s Owino Market, Ggaba Beach on Lake Victoria, and the sloping hills of Nsambya, all of which are accessible to visitors seeking a meaningful, grassroots connection to both the film and its themes of determination and hope. Through “Queen of Katwe,” Uganda was not just a backdrop but a character—vivid, dynamic, and deeply human.
Who Killed Captain Alex?: Uganda’s Cult-Film Phenomenon
No conversation about Ugandan cinema is complete without the mention of “Who Killed Captain Alex?”—a low-budget action film created in 2010 by Isaac Nabwana and Wakaliwood, Uganda’s answer to Hollywood. With a budget reportedly under $200, the film became a global cult sensation thanks to its over-the-top action, humorous voiceovers, and do-it-yourself aesthetic. But more importantly, it spotlighted the ingenuity and creativity bubbling within Wakaliga, a humble neighborhood in Kampala that has since become a pilgrimage site for international fans of guerrilla filmmaking.
Visitors can tour Wakaliwood, meet the filmmakers, and even participate in mock action sequences—a truly immersive experience that turns the viewer into the performer. The neighborhood’s commitment to grassroots cinema has created a micro film industry fueled by passion, local talent, and DIY ingenuity. The influence of “Captain Alex” has been so strong that it has attracted documentary filmmakers, YouTubers, and even foreign investors interested in sustainable, community-based cinema.
For travelers seeking a hands-on cultural encounter with Uganda’s creative heartbeat, a stop in Wakaliga offers not only cinematic nostalgia but a glimpse into the future of African storytelling—unfiltered, humorous, and proudly self-made.
Documentaries and Nature Films: Uganda as a Wildlife Stage
Uganda’s untamed wilderness has long served as a dramatic stage for nature documentaries and wildlife films. The misty mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the expansive savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the lush banks of the Kazinga Channel have all featured in global wildlife productions aired by networks like BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, for instance, has been extensively documented and dramatized in films exploring endangered species conservation. The scenes are often breathtaking, with silverback gorillas emerging from dense vegetation, echoing calls filling the air, and human guides moving reverently through ancient forests. Visiting these film locations allows tourists to retrace the filmmakers’ paths, understand the delicate ecosystem balance, and even meet the conservationists who work behind the scenes.
Additionally, Murchison Falls National Park, with its thunderous waterfalls and cinematic sunsets, has played host to film crews chronicling everything from lion prides to Nile crocodile migrations. These locations are not only visually compelling but are also crucial conservation corridors, making the film tourism experience in Uganda an intersection of natural wonder, environmental awareness, and visual storytelling.
Traveling Between the Frames: Building the Perfect Itinerary
Exploring Uganda’s film locations isn’t just about visiting static places—it’s about stepping into stories. With a bit of planning, visitors can build an itinerary that moves fluidly between urban energy and wild tranquility, history and creativity, inspiration and introspection. Kampala serves as the central hub, anchoring the visitor in a narrative that begins with the echoes of political drama and unfolds into tales of hope, imagination, and survival.
From there, a journey into the rural heartlands offers insight into the landscapes behind wildlife documentaries and historical epics. Jinja, Fort Portal, and Murchison Falls extend the visual and thematic range of a film tourism route, while community visits in Katwe or Wakaliga provide personal encounters with the very people whose stories have inspired the world.
Such a journey becomes more than sightseeing—it becomes an act of living the narrative, of seeing Uganda not just as a destination but as a canvas of dreams, memories, and cinematic truths.
Turning the Camera Toward You
Film tourism in Uganda is not merely about following in the footsteps of directors and actors. It’s about recognizing the storytelling power embedded in landscapes, neighborhoods, and faces. Whether wandering the streets of Katwe, staring down the roaring Murchison Falls, or laughing with young filmmakers in Wakaliga, visitors become part of a larger cinematic journey—one that merges reel and real, screen and soul.
To explore Uganda through the lens of film is to experience a nation in its most intimate and expressive form. It is a chance to connect with stories both grand and grassroots, to appreciate artistry rooted in truth, and to celebrate Africa’s evolving narrative from within.
For those ready to travel through scenes and stories, to stand where powerful characters once stood, and to experience the heartbeat of Uganda through the camera’s eye, Muhiga Safaris offers curated film tourism journeys that are insightful, immersive, and unforgettable. From city screenings to forest treks, your cinematic safari begins with the right guide. Choose Muhiga Safaris, and step into the story.