Fun Factory Uganda

Last updated

Fun Factory Uganda
Industry Entertainment
Founded5 January 2010;11 years ago (2010-01-05)
Founders
  • Hannington Bugingo
  • Richard Tuwangye
  • Veronica Namanda Kiwanuka
  • Dickson Zzizinga
  • Gerald Rutaro Mbabazi
  • Kwezi Kaganda
  • Kuddzu Isaac
  • Frobisher Lwanga
  • Veronica Tindichebwa
  • Evelyn Kemizinga
  • Ninah Katamba
  • Anne Kansiime
  • Emma Kakai
  • Destiny Mutaasa
  • Catherine Bagaya
HeadquartersFirst Floor, F03, National Theatre,
Kampala
,
Uganda
Key people
Hannington Bugingo
(Managing Director)
Richard Tuwangye
(Communications Director)
Dickson Zzizinga
(Creative Director)
Veronica Namanda Kiwanuka
(Assistant Creative Director)
Gerald Rutaro
(Finance and Administration)
Products

Fun Factory Uganda is a Ugandan entertainment company based in Kampala. It was founded in 2010, with its flagship product being sketch comedy. It also has branched into television shows and event management. FFU's cast are trained at Makerere University School of Liberal and Performing Arts. Their products include Comedicine, U-Turn, and Mizigo Express.

Contents

History

Founding

Fun Factory Uganda got its start when fourteen members of Theatre Factory [1] had a misunderstanding with the group's administration and broke away to form their own troupe on 5 January 2010, leaving only two members in the original Theatre Factory group. [2] [3] [4]

2010–2019: The hustle begins

FFU's inaugural show was on 14 January 2010, performing at Pan World parking lot. They then proceeded to perform weekly on the same days and times that they used to at the National Theatre, where they attracted many youth and other fans. [3] With an ever-growing audience, the management of the parking lot increased the group's rent, [5] causing them to shift to the Hotel Africana poolside. After a few months, they had a disagreement with the hotel management, [6] and had to relocate again, this time to Cinema Plaza. However, things were more challenging there, so they decided to search for a new location. They finally came to a mutual understanding with the National Theatre. [5] [7]

Comedicine

Comedicine is a sketch comedy created by FFU that has aired on a weekly basis. [8] since inception of the group, except the first weeks of 2018. [9] The show's success attracted soft drink brand Mirinda to partner with Fun Factory in the regional Mirinda Comedy tour in 2014. [10] [11]

Onstage during Comedicine Haven't we had enough for the night.jpg
Onstage during Comedicine
Present cast
SeriesRecurring CharactersNotes
Hannington BugingoThe Musoga SeriesLukakamwa
Lying SeriesKikonyogoAlso known as Chicco
As Andrew Mwenda The journalist
Radio host
Richard TuwangyeThe arrogant MunyankoleAlways talking to an "Amos" on the phone
JuniorKisitu's nephew, who has a cat-and-dog relationship with his uncle
UTI (Under the Influence)PhobiaThe drunkard
Dickson ZZizingaKisituA man who depends on his sister and comes to her in case of emergencies
Hajji SeriesHajjiA conservative Muslim man with an elastic number of wives
Sheikh ZzizuA Muslim cleric who has a wealth of knowledge above everyone else and is always predicting the future
Kuddzu IsaacThe Musoga SeriesLyagobba
KasumaliA chaotic and unpredictable character
Anne Kansiime
Herbert Ssegujja Teacher Mpamire
As Drake SsekebaThe journalist
Frobisher LwangaUTI (Under the Influence)Amnesia
Nina KatambaHajji SeriesOne of Hajji's wives
Cathy Bagaya
Tindi MustaphaHajji SeriesOne of Hajji's wives
Gloria Kebirungi
Simon KalemaUTI (Under the Influence)Tilapia
English teacherEnglish school teacher with a unique English that he himself calls 'Engrish'
Raymond RushabiroUTI (Under the Influence)Insomnia
As Kasirye Ggwanga
Gerald Rutaro
Evelyn KemizingaJunior's mother
Hajji SeriesOne of Hajji's wives
Veronica NamandaHajji SeriesOne of Hajji's wives

Guest appearances

End-of-year shows

Fun Factory Uganda has been hosting an end-of-year show called Five Star Madness since 2014. [12]

2014 - Five Star Madness [13]

2015 - Five Star Madness [14]

2016 - Five Star Madness [15] [16]

2019 - Five Star Madness [17] [18]

U-Turn

U-Turn is a television show filmed and produced from live shows that take place every Thursday. Originally, it was called Barbed Wire, under Theatre Factory, but when the members formed Fun Factory, they recreated the show and renamed it. In 2012, U-Turn, was voted as the second best locally produced show on TV. [19] Following an annual survey by Synovate, U-Turn was the most watched entertainment TV show in Uganda. This prompted Mirinda, the show's sponsor, to come to an agreement and air U-Turn on NBS [20] So, in 2015, U-Turn started airing on NBS TV. [21]

Mizigo Express

Mizigo Express is a sitcom produced by Fun Factory. It premiered on 3 October 2018.

Discography

Filmography

Works
ShowYearTVRecognition
U-Turn2010–2015NTV
  • Voted second best locally produced TV programme after NTV's Akawungeezi [19]
  • Most watched TV programme (Synovate Survey) [20]
2015–2017NBS
Mizigo Express2018–presentPearl Magic (DStv) [25]

Awareness campaigns

See also

Related Research Articles

Kansiime Kubiryaba Anne and popularly known as Anne Kansiime, is a Ugandan entertainer, comedian, and actress. She has been referred to as "Africa's Queen of Comedy" by some African media outlets.

Herbert Mendo Ssegujja, is a Ugandan comedian, actor and high school teacher. He is most famous for mimicking the Ugandan president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He assumes the stage name Teacher Mpamire.

Anita Fabiola Ugandan actress, businessworman

Anita Kyarimpa better known as Anita Fabiola is a Ugandan actress ab=nd tourism ambassador, Event host, business woman, and former beauty queen. In February 2019 she was appointed as a Goodwill Tourism ambassador headlining the "Tulambule" campaign in liaison with the Uganda Tourism Board to promote tourism all over Uganda. Prior to hosting the Be my date show on NTV in 2014, Fabiola became Miss Uganda West and the first runner-up in the overall Miss Uganda beauty pageant in 2013. She is also known for hosting some of the Africa's biggest red carpet events. These include Africa Magic Viewer's Choice Awards in Nigeria (2016), Namibia Annual Music Awards, Ghana Movie Awards 2017, Ghana Music Awards 2016, Glitz Awards Ghana 2017, Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards 2016 among others.

Jackie Akello is a Uganda singer/songwriter and entrepreneur with a coffee brand Village Belle which she launched in 2017. She sings in Acholi, Luganda, Swahili, and English. She is known for her hit love ballad "Amari", the gospel hit "Samanya" with Levixone, and the war-themed pop hit "Apwoyo". Akello is an Acholi from northern Uganda and most of her songs like "Apwoyo" talk about the suffering of the Acholi both during and after the Lord's Resistance Army war that left Acholis out of their homes for a long time.

Alex Emix Muhangi, commonly known as Alex Muhangi, is a Ugandan comedian, actor sound engineer, director and host of the comedy show, Comedy Store Uganda. He was listed as one of the top 10 Ugandan comedians and personalities in 2016 and 2017 by New Vision and as one of the pioneers of standup comedy in the English language in Uganda.

Comedy Store Uganda, is a weekly live stand-up comedy show that was created in 2016 by comedian Alex Muhangi, who is also the host since the show’s inception. The show is recorded on Thursdays at UMA Exhibition Hall Lugogo in Kampala and airs Tuesdays on NTV Uganda.

Stellah Nantumbwe also Stella Nantumbwe, but commonly known as Ellah is a Ugandan actress, media personality, and former 2013/2014 Miss Uganda. She was Uganda's representative to the Big Brother Africa, in 2014.

Akite Agnes Ugandan comedian, actress, and philanthropist

Akite Agnes is a Ugandan stand-up comedienne, actress, MC, and philanthropist. She is popularly known for her role as Arach in the series The Hostel, where she portrays Odoch's girlfriend and the owner of a shop. She has also acted in Pearl Magic's Girl from Mparo as Mama Brian, the nosy neighbour. Her style of comedy reflects on the daily issues that face people as they go about their lives.

Arise Woman! Comedy Jam Ugandan stand-up comedy show

Arise Woman! Comedy Jam is a Ugandan stand-up comedy show created and hosted by Akite Agnes. The event happens annually on International Women's Day in celebration of the achievements of the woman in the society and has an all female cast. The show takes place yearly on 8 March. Proceeds from each show go to an identified Charity organisation

<i>Bed of Thorns</i> Ugandan drama film

Bed of Thorns (#Tosirika) is a Ugandan, all-female crew produced drama film directed by Eleanor Nabwiso and produced at Nabwiso Films. The film addresses the issue of gender based and domestic violence. It stars media personality Malaika Tenshi Nnyanzi, Diana Kahunde, youtuber and social media comedian Martha Kay, Agnes Kebirungi, Michael Wawuyo Jr., Housen Mushema, Sara Kisawuzi and Patrick Salvador Idringi. The film premiered on 30 March 2019 at a red carpet event at Century Cinema Kamwokya, Kampala.

Patrick Idringi, known as Patrick Salvado, is a Ugandan comedian, actor and master of ceremonies.

<i>Kyaddala</i> Ugandan television series

Kyaddala is a Ugandan drama television series series created by Emmanuel Ikubese and produced by Emmanuel Ikubese Films and Reach a Hand Uganda. Set in a present day high school life, Kyaddala a Luganda word for "It's Real", focuses on real life social issues that affect young people across Africa and their attempts to overcome those issues. The series features actors and actresses from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria. Kyaddala premiered on 27 September 2019 at Kingdom Kampala.

Beenie Gunter

Baguma Crescent, popularly known as Beenie Gunter, is a Ugandan reggae dancehall artist, commonly known for his hit songs Pon Mi and Olina Work, the latter, a collaboration with Nigerian artist Skales. He released his 25 track debut studio album No Fear in 2019 that featured artists like Skales and Lydia Jazmine.

Hannington Bugingo Ugandan comedian, actor, and film producer

Hannington Bugingo is a Ugandan comedian, actor, film producer, and advertising strategist. He is the managing director of Fun Factory Uganda and also the founding president of The Uganda Comedians Association (TUCA). He is known for his role as Sam in Mizigo Express and also portrays various characters in Fun Factory's Comedicine.

Richard Tuwangye is a Ugandan actor, comedian, and musician. He is a founding member of Fun Factory Uganda.

Kenneth Kimuli Amooti is a Ugandan comedian, playwright and journalist. He is well known as Pablo in the Ugandan comedy circles. He won the first Multi-Choice Stand Up Uganda comedy competition. After losing both parents to HIV/AIDS at an early age, he has formed charity organisations; Pill Power Uganda and Tangaza Arts Centre which aim to support youth living with HIV/AIDS.

The Uganda Film Festival Award for Best Cinematography is an award presented annually by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) at the Uganda Film Festival Awards.

Bullion is a 2014 Ugandan crime drama film produced by Henry Ssali and directed by Phillip Luswata. The film stars Allan Tumusiime, Kenyan actor Ainea Ojiambo, singer Juliana Kanyomozi and her sister Laura Kahunde, radio presenter and Fun Factory's Veronica Tindi, comedian Anne Kansiime, Michael Wawuyo and his son Michael Wawuyo Jr. and an appearance from model and businesswoman Sylvia Owori.

Titus Brian Ahumuza Ugandan fashion designer

Titus Brian Ahumuza commonly known as Abryanz is a Ugandan fashion designer.

Judith Allen Heard Ugandan fashion model

Judith Allen Heard commonly known as Judith Heard is a Ugandan fashion model and event host. She was crowned as Miss Africa in Miss Elite Awards 2021 from Egypt.

References

  1. ↑ Vision, Reporter (8 January 2010). "Theatre Factory splits up". New Vision. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  2. ↑ Ruva, Roy (30 January 2015). "Comedy Outfit Fun Factory Warm Up for "Best of Zizinga" in Style". Chano8. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
  3. 1 2 De-Hayden, Jack (14 March 2010). "Is Fun Factory breaking Theatre Factory's legs?". The Observer.
  4. ↑ Nuwagaba, Edwin (5 January 2010). "Theatre Factory splits, new group; Fun Factory formed". Daily Monitor. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  5. 1 2 Chimp, Reports (31 January 2013). "Fun Factory's Journey Back to National Theatre". Chimp Reports. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  6. ↑ Sqoop, Writer (6 April 2012). "Fun Factory to launch new home with Easter shows" . Retrieved 2 October 2019.
  7. ↑ Sqoop, Writer (11 January 2013). "Home is always best, as Fun Factory comedians return to National Theatre". Sqoop. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  8. ↑ Batte, Edgar. R (16 March 2017). "Nourish your heart with Comedycine". Daily Monitor. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  9. ↑ Muriisa, Habre (11 January 2018). "Why Fun Factory Has Halted Their Weekly Shows Again". Chano8. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  10. ↑ Ogwal, Lawrence (30 August 2014). "Comedians leave Hoima, Masaka fans in stitches". Daily Monitor. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  11. ↑ Ocungi, Julius (6 December 2014). "Comedians leave Gulu fans with painful ribs". Daily Monitor. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  12. ↑ "MORNING AT NTV: Fun Factory's Five-Star Madness - Features | NTV". www.ntv.co.ug. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  13. ↑ Matooke, Republic (17 December 2014). "Kansiime Sponso'rs Fun Factory's 5 Star Madness". Matooke Republic. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  14. ↑ Kaggwa, Andrew (21 December 2015). "Fun Factory in 5-star madness" . Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  15. ↑ Kushaba, Duncan (20 December 2016). "Fun Factory ends year with a bang at 5 Star madness". New Vision. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  16. ↑ Ruva, Roy (16 December 2016). "Fun Factory Ends Year With a Bang at 5 Star Madness". Chano8. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  17. ↑ Muhumuza, Timothy (30 November 2019). "Five Star Madness leaves ribs cracking: In pictures | Kampala Sun". Kampala Sun. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  18. ↑ Ssejjombwe, Isaac (30 November 2019). "Fun Factory leaves revellers yearning for more madness". Sqoop. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  19. 1 2 "Fun Factory sign 200m deal with NTV". 13 April 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
  20. 1 2 "NTV Loses Popular U-Turn Show to NBS TV". Xclusive UG. 1 September 2015. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
  21. ↑ "U-Turn show now on NBS TV". Sqoop. 18 September 2015.
  22. ↑ "Twaweza Uganda teams up with Funfactory, release a song 'yambala mask' to create COVID- 19 awareness". Matooke Republic. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  23. ↑ Nafulah, Annah (23 September 2020). "Fun Factory in new COVID-19 awareness hit". Capital FM. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  24. ↑ Batte, Edgar R. (21 December 2020). "Covid-19: Fun Factory use song to sensitise Ugandans". Sqoop. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  25. ↑ "Pearl Magic turns 1". 30 September 2019. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  26. ↑ Sqoop, Writer (10 April 2015). "Fun Factory to root for voter registration". Sqoop. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  27. ↑ Ruva, Roy (10 April 2015). "Two Million Raised for Rosemary Nankabirwa at Fun Factory Comedy Night". Chano8. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  28. ↑ UgandaOnline, Writer (10 April 2015). "Fun Factory dedicate show to Rosemary Nankabirwa". Uganda Online. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.