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NODRYN EVANCI NAKITTO KABUYE, 24, is one of the most dynamic young voices shaping
Uganda’s film landscape today.
Apart from making appearances in Uganda’s top brands commercials, Kabuye is also a filmmaker, producer, director, writer and actress, whose debut film Half Chocolate Half
Vanilla dropped in 2024 and brought her many nominations and awards.
She spoke to Quick Talk about film and more.
Please tell Quick Talk a little more about yourself.
I’m Nodryn Evanci, born Nodryn Evanci Nakitto Kabuye, and raised in Kampala. I am a filmmaker, producer, director, writer and actress, as well as a horticulturalist and plant enthusiast.
I’m the second born in my family, raised by my father, Mr Robert Kabuye, my greatest role model, and my mother, Kizza Agnes Tafumba, who is now in a better place in heaven.
Sorry about your mum; which schools did you go to?
I went to quite a number of schools growing up. For nursery, I attended Jordan Junior Academy. I later joined Buganda Road Primary School and completed my Primary Leaving Examinations at St Mary Kevin Primary School in Kajjansi.
For secondary school, I went to Excel Millennium Secondary School and later Lubiri Secondary School. I later pursued online film studies with CineArts Academy, Colorado. I am now preparing to start Gardening and Landscaping studies.
What kind of student were you?
I was a reserved student, but I loved sports. I was especially good at netball, though my curiosity to try other sports sometimes got me into trouble; I even ended up being the reason my school lost a major soccer game, which I still laugh about.
Academically, I was never first in class, but I always had good grades and consistently topped in Fine Art, Agriculture, and Biology. Math, however, was never my thing and although I wasn’t keen on leadership, I often found myself taking up positions of responsibility.
Did your creative side show up back then?
Yes, my creative side was very evident even back then. I was particularly good at Fine Art, I remember one UNEB invigilator arguing that an adult must have done my mosaic art paper.
I was also very active in music dance and drama. I loved watching movies, narrating stories, and inventing little films that everyone believed existed. I’m grateful that my parents encouraged me to explore everything creative, which really shaped the person I am today.
However, later on, my interest was reignited in a funny way; during a school holiday, my friend Christine – rest in peace – and I bumped into a film set and we lied to the director that we had acted before as he could only recruit experienced actors.
We just wanted something to keep us busy during holidays. I ended up with the lead role. That little fib eventually led me into the world of acting and filmmaking and later Christine joined singing.
So, how was that very first acting experience?
It wasn’t exactly enjoyable. Shooting a feature film took forever, and the premiere was a complete disaster, but that’s a story for another day!
You shot a film in 2024 called Half Chocolate Half Vanilla. What inspired that story?
Half Chocolate Half Vanilla was my debut as a producer, director, and writer and I also played the lead role. I remember someone jokingly called me Uganda’s Tyler Perry, which I take as a huge compliment because I really admire Mr Perry and his work.
The film was inspired by my love for storytelling, particularly stories that lack representation, and my desire to raise awareness about vitiligo.
It combines personal experiences with the research I did on the condition, which I wanted to share with the world. I’m proud to say the film has truly fulfilled that purpose.
Where did you get the funds?
It was funded by European Union and International Trade Center under Opportunities Are Here Season One, were I emerged winner.
Half Chocolate Half Vanilla brought you so many awards…!
Where should I start? I have quite many…Best Short film at Kaduna International Film Festival 2025, Nigeria; Official selection at REFFA awards 2025, Nigeria; winner acting category at Opportunities Are Here Uganda season one (OAH) 2024; winner best actress at UCC regional film competitions – central region; 2025 nominee at the UCC regional film competitions 2024, and so many others.
Which other film projects have you worked on?
I’ve worked on a variety of projects, including short films, feature films, TV series, and commercials. Some of the productions I’ve been part of include The Forbidden, Extra Time, Between Us TV series, and Mpeke Town, among others.
I’ve also appeared in several TV commercials. Currently, I’m filming The Wrong Bride TV series, directed by Kizito Samuel Savior.
Is there a character you have played that feels closest to who you really are?
Ah… Agatha from Mpeke Town. She’s a gardener, quickly adaptive, caring, and hardworking – traits I relate to closely. Other characters I have portrayed have qualities you wouldn’t wish to meet in real life, which also made them more interesting to play.
If you weren’t in film, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t in film, I think I would be a nutritionist or even a doctor. People wouldn’t be surprised if I became one and I guess it makes sense, given that I’ve been cast for such roles twice.
As a woman in the film industry, what challenges have you faced?
Having to deal with gender biases. I’ve learned to handle these situations with confidence and professionalism, and I focus on letting my work speak for itself. Always!
What do you think needs to be done to make the industry more supportive of women?
The industry rewards those who put in the work, and we have surely. Women are just as capable as men of earning their place in the spotlight and that we have done too.
What I would love to see more is collaboration – work together more, share ideas, and support each other; it will make the industry even stronger and more inclusive for everyone.
Do you have a favourite actress or actor?
Yes! I really admire Lupita Nyong’o [Queen of Katwe, Twelve Years A Slave, etc], Liam Neeson [Retribution, The Naked Gun], and Viola Davis [The Help, The Woman King] they are all exceptional at their craft. Locally, Nana Kagga and Denis Kimani are such amazing actors.
Are you married?
Not yet.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I see myself as Uganda’s Tyler Perry, producing, directing, and acting in stories that inspire and represent people.
I also hope to be a ‘planned farmer’, combining my love for creativity with sustainable agriculture. I want to continue making an impact both on screen and in real life.
What do you do outside film?
Outside of film, I sell both indoor and outdoor plants and I’m exploring more business ventures. I also love listening to random genres of music that I’ve never heard before; it keeps me inspired and open to new ideas and once in a while I love to record music.
devonssuubi@gmail.com
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