- Source: Aganza Kisaka
Aganza Kisaka is a versatile Ugandan actress, playwright, and author, hailing from a family of artists.
Education and career
Raised in Kampala, she trained as an actress at New York University Abu Dhabi and earned a Masters in Education from Unicaf University.
After completing her undergraduate studies, she returned to Uganda, where she faced challenges such as low pay and initial industry struggles. Despite these setbacks, she pursued acting, dancing, and theatre passionately, eventually finding opportunities in drama series and theatre. Aganza's love for theatre led her to teach drama at an international school, though she faced challenges with parental support and time constraints. Her commitment to theatre deepened with her involvement in projects like the 10th Berlin Biennale and 27 Guns film. Aganza aims to elevate theatre in Uganda, making it more popular among youth and improving the industry’s work environment. She believes in creating opportunities for Ugandan talent to thrive locally, without needing to go abroad. Today, she is focused on personal projects, contemplating teaching at universities, and considering a master’s program, all while continuing her work as a producer.
Aganza has won several acting awards, including Best Actress at the PIFF Awards and Best Supporting Actress at the UFF Awards. She is also a published author, with her short story on depression, “Operation: Mother’s Bruises,” featured in The Different Shades of the Feminine Mind (2017). As a playwright, her debut Black (2016) explores themes of race and identity. Aganza founded the Yenze Theatre Conservatoire to train performing artists and provide production services in Kampala. Her work focuses on identity, belonging, and the power of storytelling to foster connection and healing.
Projects
Kisaka made her mark as a playwright at the Kampala International Theatre Festival in 2016 with her debut play "Black," addressing critical issues of race, blackness, and identity. Her subsequent work, "Killing Time," was featured in multiple prestigious festivals, including the Lagos Theatre Festival, Kenya International Theatre Festival, and Kampala International Theatre Festival in 2021. Further, her short film "Vanilla" garnered nominations at both the Berlin International Art Film Festival in 2021 and the Toronto Black Film Festival in 2022.
In addition to her creative projects, Kisaka has produced notable works such as "The Betrothal" by Joshua Mmali and "Red Hills" by Asiimwe Deborah Kawe, and played a key role in the Kampala International Theatre Festival in 2019. Her directorial pursuits include serving as assistant director for "The Merchant of Venice" and helming the acclaimed production of the musical "My Fair Lady" in Kampala. Beyond her artistic contributions, Kisaka is the founder of Yenze Theatre Conservatoire (YTC), which offers training in acting, movement, and voice while also providing artist management and production services for local talent in Kampala. As a proud fellow of the Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics at Georgetown University, Kisaka’s work is deeply inspired by her belief in the power of unique spaces and movements to shape identity, behavior, and social interactions. Through her diverse body of work, Aganza Kisaka continues to inspire and elevate the performing arts in Uganda, reinforcing her status as an influential figure in the industry.