By Mark Kawalya
Matthew Nabwiso’s is a house hold name in the field of film in Uganda. Known as an actor, director, producer, and businessman, Matthew has built a legacy, winning awards like the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Actor. He co-founded Nabwiso Films with his wife Elenor and together they have built the company from the ground up. But Matthew’s journey didn’t start with cameras and film sets. It began in classrooms and choirs, nurtured by mentors who taught him that the arts were a viable career, and that one could be a professional dancer, actor, or even a filmmaker.
Matthew attended Busoga College Mwiri and later Namasagali College, where Reverend Father Grimes introduced him to the idea that creative pursuits were just as valid as any other profession. It was here that Matthew first found his footing, but his path wasn’t linear. After finishing school, he spent some time at Sabrina’s Pub, a popular spot where many Ugandan musicians were discovered. He had a day job, but music and creativity kept calling him back. He joined a church choir, eventually becoming a choir director, a role he held for many years. This experience honed his leadership skills and deepened his understanding of performance, but it also opened the door to something even greater: film.
One day, Matthew heard about a Dutch filmmaker who was looking for Ugandan actors to audition for a new film. With no prior experience, but a lot of courage, he decided to give it a shot. This gamble paid off when he landed his first role in Battle of the Souls, a film based on the experiences of Roger Mugisha, who had turned his life around after leaving the occult. From there, Matthew starred in a number of other films, including State Research Bureau and Catholic Girl. His work gained him recognition, and eventually, a nomination for the MVCA in Lagos, Nigeria—a pivotal moment that validated his talent on an international stage.
Behind his passion for acting, Matthew harbored a desire to direct. He admired the directors he worked with, hearing stories of film schools in Amsterdam and learning the ins and outs of the craft by visiting sets. Ten years later, he turned that admiration into action, becoming a film producer. His first major project was the show What Next? When the series ended, Matthew and his wife Elenor faced a decision: Should they look for new acting gigs or create something of their own? They chose the latter, deciding that rather than rely on unpredictable work, they would build something that allowed them to control their careers. Thus, Nabwiso Films was born.
Nabwiso Films wasn’t just a passion project; it was also a mission. With his business and corporate background—he spent nearly 20 years in sales and marketing, rising to a department head with a $3 million annual target—Matthew applied the skills he had learned in the corporate world to his film business. His goal was to change lives through storytelling, addressing societal challenges and offering solutions in a way that was both entertaining and educational. Their films didn’t just seek to captivate audiences; they sought to teach them something valuable.
However, success didn’t come easily. While many of the musicians Matthew had started with at Sabrina’s Pub were buying mansions and driving luxury cars, he and Elenor were still renting a house in Kyaliwajala. “At the time, I also ran a farm as a side business, with 20 acres of land, 200 goats, and a rabbit farm. When he decided to go all in on filmmaking, I sold the farm and the animals, a difficult decision, but one I felt was necessary to fund Nabwiso Films. It was a risk, but one that I believed in deeply.”
Their next major project his film company worked on was the 13-episode television series Hashtag Family, which aired on NTV. The show was a family drama that tackled important social issues like divorce, disrespect between parents and children, and gender-based violence. “The aim was to produce something that reminded people of the importance of family values, in contrast to the negative trends that are all around us.” However, producing the show came with significant financial challenges. Matthew had to borrow money and take out loans to complete the series, and even after its initial success, it was not all smooth sailing.
Matthew pitched a series to various distributors, including the largest film distributor in Africa, Discop. “They loved the show and signed a distribution agreement, but months passed with no progress.” This period was marked by doubt, frustration, and questioning whether he was even in the right business. But through his faith, Matthew remained grounded, believing that resilience and persistence were key to success. He recalls countless presentations where people praised his ideas but never followed up with actual deals. It was a difficult time, especially with a family to support and a business to sustain.
Still, he held onto his faith. As a Christian, Matthew believed that God had a plan for his life. He would often reflect on the Bible’s teachings that God has good plans for every individual, including plans for prosperity. This belief kept him going through the difficult moments, and eventually, the doors began to open. MultiChoice bought the rights to the series and although there were challenges with delayed payments, it was a turning point.
Matthew emphasizes that one of the most important lessons he learned was the power of setting goals and sticking to them. Whether in acting, directing, or producing, having a clear vision for where you want to go is essential. He also stresses the importance of discipline and professionalism, especially in the creative industry. Over the years, he has learned that success in film isn’t just about passion—it’s about delivering on your promises, even when everything seems to be falling apart.
Nabwiso Films’ latest success is the television series Sanyu, which has been running for four years and has produced over 800 episodes. Despite the success, it wasn’t without its setbacks. The production was hit by theft, with expensive equipment stolen midway through shooting. Shortly after replacing the equipment, the crew lost an entire batch of footage due to a virus. On top of that, Matthew’s social media accounts—critical to promoting the show—were hacked. But through sheer determination and resilience, Matthew and his team continued to push forward, eventually winning back the trust of MultiChoice after an internal investigation confirmed their progress.
For Matthew, Sanyu was a test of resilience and patience. The show’s success was hard-earned, but it wasn’t just about producing good content; it was about overcoming the countless hurdles that threatened to derail the production. From lost footage to financial struggles, every step of the process was a lesson in persistence. Matthew often says that working in the film industry is as much about business as it is about creativity. Balancing passion and business can be challenging for many creatives, but it’s a balance that’s crucial to success.
Over time, Matthew has developed a strong belief in the idea that creatives must understand they are running a business. The creative aspect, while important, is only one part of the equation. It’s just as vital to ensure that the business side of things is taken care of, whether it’s managing budgets, meeting deadlines, or maintaining professional relationships. This mindset has helped Nabwiso Films grow into a respected production house in Uganda and beyond.
One of the key factors that set Nabwiso Films apart is the emphasis on quality. Matthew believes mediocrity has no place in his work. Ugandan audiences, he believes, are discerning and appreciate well-made content. This has driven him to ensure that every project produced under Nabwiso Films meets high standards, both in terms of production value and storytelling. “Authenticity is at the core of our work. The stories we tell are not only relevant to the Ugandan audience, but they are also grounded in reality—reflecting the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of everyday life in Uganda.”
However, Matthew’s impact on the film industry goes beyond just making movies. He sees the potential for growth in the industry, not just for filmmakers but for the countless other professions that support the production process. From camera operators to set designers, lighting crews to stylists, and even caterers, there are numerous opportunities in the film industry for those willing to learn and work hard. Matthew believes that one of the keys to unlocking the full potential of Uganda’s film industry is encouraging young people to explore these behind-the-scenes roles.
As a Christian, Matthew’s faith has always been a guiding force in his career. He has faced challenges, not only in the film industry but also in navigating the broader cultural and societal expectations. In today’s world, there is often pressure to conform to certain worldviews or to chase after money at the expense of one’s principles. But Matthew is clear on this point: for him, it’s about more than just making a living. It’s about staying true to his values and creating content that aligns with his beliefs. He has often spoken out against the misconception that “sex sells” in the film industry, arguing that family-friendly content can be just as successful, if not more so, when done right.
Betty Abbo, a cosmetologist who has worked with Nabwiso Films for four years, is one of many who have been inspired by Matthew’s approach. She recalls her early days working with the production house, dealing with over 30 different personalities on set. “It was a challenging environment, especially for someone who had always been more private and focused on her own personal work. But through the experience, I learned valuable lessons about teamwork, adaptability, and perseverance.” She credits Nabwiso Films with helping her grow both professionally and personally.
For Matthew, these stories of growth and empowerment are just as important as the films he produces. He believes that success isn’t just about individual achievements but about uplifting others along the way.
