Young child actors find space in Uganda’s expanding television drama industry
Among the emerging talents is Nakaayi Dorcus, a six-year-old pupil whose appearances in several Makula TV productions highlight the increasing role of children in family dramas and community-based storytelling.
KAMPALA — Uganda’s growing television and digital film industry is creating new opportunities for young performers, with a rising number of child actors joining locally produced drama series.
Among the emerging talents is Nakaayi Dorcus, a six-year-old pupil whose appearances in several Makula TV productions highlight the increasing role of children in family dramas and community-based storytelling.
Born on 27 July 2019 in Mpigi District, Dorcus is a pupil at Kibibi Junior School in Butambala District, having previously studied at Upendo Christian School. She started acting while still in primary school and has featured in productions including No Time Seasons One and Two, Omunanfusi (The Evil Angel), and Jealous (Obujja), which are aired on Makula TV and Makula Kika.
Her rise comes at a time when Uganda’s local television industry is expanding, driven by lower digital production costs and increased online distribution. Independent filmmakers are producing more Luganda-language dramas, creating platforms for new actors, including children.
Industry players say the demand for child performers has grown as many television stories focus on family relationships, education and community experiences that require authentic young characters.
For Dorcus, acting has remained an extracurricular activity alongside her studies. Production schedules are reportedly arranged around her school timetable to ensure her education continues without interruption.
Although still at the beginning of her acting journey, Dorcus has become one of the youngest performers to feature regularly in contemporary Makula TV drama productions. Her experience reflects the changing face of Uganda’s creative industry, where young talent is increasingly being identified and nurtured.
As Uganda’s film and television sector continues to grow, stories like Dorcus’s show how the industry is opening doors for children to participate in storytelling while balancing the responsibilities of school and childhood.
