Time check: 5 PM at Serena Conference Center. Lights, camera, and every Ugandan TV superstar are rolling in. We’re talking about the IKON Awards 2024 and exactly how each jaw-dropping moment unfolded. To my surprise, the eagerly anticipated Nigerian movie actor, Iheme Osita, was already in public by 3:30 PM on that warm Saturday afternoon of March 23rd, 2024. You’ll be surprised at how easy and confident he was walking around with no sophisticated protection.

Michael Wawuyo Sr, Osita Iheme and Doreen Mirembe were the most recognized winners of the night. Doreen Mirembe won 3 awards, the most that any contestant achieved.

Iheme Osita at the Ikon Awards Winners 2024 Event

The “Lord of Memes” lent me an ear for 15 minutes, and we had a little chat before everyone else arrived. That conversation is in another article we’ve written. Let’s stick to the event, or PawPaw the actor will steal the show. Just for the record, he said he is still on good terms with his colleague Chinedu Ikedieze, except Iheme was invited to Uganda alone.

The IKON Awards were powered by several partners, including Sauti, The IKON, and several others. Serena Conference Centre was exquisitely utilized and properly lit up; you could think you were at the Hollywood Grammys.

A Star-studded Night To Remember

And when the guests started showing up, it got even more unbelievable. The place was littered with pomp, fashion, and every single actor or actress who might cross your mind. Some of the guests included Hellen Lukoma, Housen Mushema, Allan Kutos, Mariam Ndagire, Malaika, Ramsey Nouah, Doreen Mirembe, Matthew Nabwiso, Michael Wawuuyo Jr. & Sr., Valentino, Flavia Tumusiime, Stella Nantumbwe, Usama Mukwaya, and hundreds of others. The picture I can paint for you is the fact that Serena Conference Centre was filled to capacity with popular TV faces.

IKON Awards 2024 Winners, Star-studded Serena Event

Gallery will be updated as soon as we receive official images from IKON AWARDS organisers.

Speaking of TV faces, the IKON Awards were also attended by some government officials. These included Betty Amongi, the Minister for Gender, Labor, and Social Development, and the Country Director of UNESCO.

Hon. Betty Amongi represented the President. She congratulated Humphrey and the team for organizing the IKON Awards.

Government To Enact Law To Protect Intellectual Property

“The President has asked,” Amongi revealed during the IKON Awards 2024 winners event, “that we enact a law to protect intellectual property from plagiarism. Secondly, we need to monetize the content. People have talked about shared collaboration with Nigeria. We saw Kenzo and Bobi Wine get international nominations, and we are so proud of such people. So, it’s high time the government supported Ugandan talent. I thank the Ugandan youth who have occupied the international scene. I also thank the European Union. Did you know that there is a European Union talent search?”

Ramsey poses with several actors from Uganda

IKON Fellowship Young Filmmakers Award

Another notable group of people who were recognized were the 10 young filmmakers in the IKON Fellowship. Below is a list of these outstanding students who are working on film projects:

1. Wuri by Kibirige Fred Nouah

2. The Janitor by Sylvester

3. The Choice We Make by Parton

4. “Teen Me” by Ndagire Pauline Angel

5. Ward 4 (1998) by Rianne Bateeze

6. Ethania by Gerald Abongi

7. Hasfa by Ssemambo Douglas Benedict

8. Wrong Choice by S. Shabiru Bayan

How were the IKON Awards 2024 Winners Awarded?

The awards were granted to their respective winners throughout the event while being interluded with spectacular performances from professional film soundtrack singers and impeccable Ugandan cultural dancers.

The accolades were awarded by several senior actors and actresses, including Michael Wawuyo Sr., Mariam Ndagire, Ramsey Nouah, as well as Iheme Osita. Other accolades were awarded by Rona Ninsiima, Andrew Ahura, Housen Mushema, Hellen Lukoma, Ronnie Mpabulo Adams, Veronica Nakayo, Ushikoma Daniel, and more.

The Most Outstanding Moment During The Ikon Awards 2024

I hate to break it to you, but the most outstanding moment was not Iheme Osita’s arrival.

The most outstanding moment of the night was the recognition of the contribution of Michael Wawuyo Sr. for the Lifetime Achievement of The Year award. Several actors and actresses were seen hailing the veteran actor for helping them to get where they are. Mariam Ndagire said, “This tall, dark-skinned man found me in the industry, but he has grown to become so superior in the technical bits of movie production. Even with such expertise, technical knowledge, and history of international recognition, Michael Wawuyo has never looked down upon us. He has always been humble instead of patronizing the rest of us. We call him the best uncle in the Ugandan movie industry because he does literally everything, from make-up to acting, to production, and even helps in script writing.” Mariam said this as she was presenting the senior actor his accolade.

In his acceptance speech, Michael expressed his surprise about how everything was organized behind his back. He was so happy and also recognized his son, Michael Wawuyo Jr.

Ikon Awards 2024, Iheme Osita, Ramsey Nouah All Set

Here is the list of nominees for IKON awards 2024

Coco Finger, Young Mulo, Queen Bella, Vampino Surprise Guests At IKON Winners Awards

At midnight on March 24th, 2024, the IKON Awards concluded with massive performances. Guests were surprised by the musicians who performed because they had disappeared from the music industry for many years. It was completely unexpected, yet they took center stage, and their performances took on lives of their own. These included Young Mulo, Coco Finger, Queen Bella, Vampino, and Ziggy Dee.