A new Ugandan feature film exploring the spread of disinformation in the digital age premiered on Wednesday evening at Century Cinemax in Kampala.
‘Call 112’, a collaboration between the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Uganda and South Sudan and O Studios Entertainment, was unveiled to an audience of filmmakers, civil society actors, and media professionals. The film centres on a parliamentary campaign in the fictional constituency of Kebambe West, where truth becomes a casualty of online manipulation.
Blair Koono plays James, a university student and part-time TikToker who is drawn into a smear campaign targeting a vocal Member of Parliament, Teopista Ndyanabo (played by Mariam Ndagire). Enticed by the promise of quick cash, James agrees to share videos attacking the MP—only to find himself overwhelmed by the consequences of his actions.
In one video, he goes as far as questioning the paternity of Ndyanabo’s children. As the pressure mounts, he comes to realise the damage he’s complicit in—but by then, it’s too late.
Speaking at the premiere, Anna Reismann, Country Representative for KAS Uganda and South Sudan, praised the film for its dual impact.
“This film clearly shows how disinformation spreads in the internet age,” she said. “Now that influencers are the go-to sources of information for our youthful audience, the detractors are also looking at using them to sow conflict.”
She added that the film would be used in an educational campaign targeting young people in universities across Uganda, in partnership with the Media Challenge Initiative (MCI).
“We will be publishing a comprehensive schedule on our digital platforms. You will be able to watch the film both in cinemas and at the MCI-Media Hub in Kabalagala.”
The release comes at a time of growing global concern over the impact of misinformation. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risk Report lists disinformation and misinformation as the most significant short-term threats to global stability.
Director Usama Mukwaya, who helmed the project for O Studios, said the film was born out of an urgent need to confront a problem that is affecting societies around the world.
“Since everyone is a potential victim of disinformation, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to leverage my creativity and influence as a filmmaker to shed light on this phenomenon.”
Call 112 features a notable cast, including veteran actress Mariam Ndagire, rising star Blair Koono, and actor Kenny Rukundo, alongside familiar faces like Peter Odeke—known internationally for his role in Queen of Katwe. Other cast members include Arthur Sewanyana (Damalie), Timothy Lwanga (Sanyu). Radio personality Ethan Kavuma also makes a transition to screen.
The film is expected to begin screenings across academic institutions and selected venues in the coming weeks.
