Maurice Kirya’s documentary ‘A Man Like Sam’ premieres in Kampala

The award-winning documentary ‘A Man Like Sam’, directed by Ugandan filmmaker Maurice Kirya, premiered in Kampala on August 27, 2026. The film follows the life of Samuel Mugabi, a Ugandan man with Down syndrome, as he seeks independence and challenges societal expectations regarding intellectual disabilities.

The premiere at Century Cinema brought together a diverse group of attendees, including medical professionals, disability advocates, community leaders, and members of the Ugandan creative industry. The event focused on the need for greater disability inclusion across East Africa.

Before its local premiere, the documentary received significant international recognition, including Best Short Documentary at the Alpine International Film Festival in Switzerland and Best International Film at the Brittany International Film Festival in France. Maurice Kirya has also received Best Director honors at the Hollywood International Indie Film Festival and Cinema Royal Paris. The film has earned further accolades and nominations in Scotland, France, New York, and London.