The first edition of the Uganda Movie Awards came to pass without much ado on Saturday, but the biggest winner of the night was, Ramsey Nouah.

The only picture one would carry home from the evening was the Nigerian actor who was also the day’s chief guest. The local actors or actresses who were celebrating their first anniversary in the limelight never savoured the limelight.

All lights were on the Nollywood actor instead of the winners of the evening. 15 accolades were given out on the evening that also passed off as a music concert, given the emphasis the organisers put on the music performances instead of showing clips and photos of nominees and winners.

The performers of the day though did not disappoint, thanks to Sylver Kyagulanyi, Eddie Yawe, Sheila Nvanungi and Martin Angume, among others. Each one of them performed more than two songs, at the awards giving ceremony that started after 8.30p.m.

The biggest winner of the day, was Joseph Busuulwa Mabirizi, whose film Standing Alone, won the Best Film of the Year. Other winners included Osman Matovu (Ensisinkano Y’ebizibu) who won the Best Script of the Year, Mugonza Bato won Best Director for City Mafia, Omukazi Muka Ssebo took home the Most Educating Film, and Video World, also one of the organisers, won the Best Film distributor of the year. Betty Nabasirye won the Best Supporting Actress, Ramathan Kaggwa (Most Supporting Actor), Aisha Kyomuhangi (Best Film Actress) and Diriisa Sebandeke (Best film Actor).

There were odd categories like Best Film Artiste, which went to Dr Latif Abdu and an appeasement category, the honorary award, which went to Ashraf Simwogerere, for being the first Ugandan film maker. Simwogerere was not present to receive his glassware. Genevive Nnajji the other Nigerian supposed to grace the event was also a no show.

The Vice President, Dr Gilbert Bukenya graced the awards and promised to support the industry by ensuring the copy right law is respected.