My name is Mugala Lydia and I live in Gulu. I wanted to become a tailor, and so I studied the course, but I could not find a proper job in the industry, as the returns were a bit low and there are already too many tailors in town. I, however, liked acting, and I have a few friends who introduced me to the film spaces in Gulu. But acting opportunities were few, and the payments were not really there. I was a little broke and needed to earn money. So, when I heard of the mobile film training, I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn and expand on my knowledge. I was not prepared for all the technical lessons that I got.
Even in the training, I continued acting in more short films and people shared these within Gulu, when I applied for a job at a computer shop, the owner had seen me in one of the films, and he did not hesitate to give me the job. Yes, the editing lessons I got from the film training helped me to enhance my computer skills, and I can do the job diligently. I know, it’s not really a film job. We do secretarial services, photocopy, such stuff, but it does pay me a little money, which I need to survive.
I’m still learning how to write and direct films. I want to make it my career. Maybe since I’m now so much involved with computers I might look into learning more about film editing and become an editor, I don’t know. For now, I’m continuing with the classes, and I’m grateful for they have opened my eyes, and enhanced my skills, and in a way enabled me to earn a small living.
Written by Mugala Lydia
Lydia was a participant in the 2021 Mobile Film School training in Gulu. She is now a filmmaker in Gulu. She works primarily as a sound recordist, with experience across several film productions and a growing role in training and supporting other filmmakers in sound production. Lydia has worked as a sound recordist on a number of films, including The Colour Bako, Storm on the Floor, Law of Consequences, Kwak, Beneath the Smile, and Angel So Close. Kwak, a short film she worked on, received an award in 2025. These and other projects she has contributed to are available to audiences. In 2025, Lydia joined Sisi Film Lab through Creative Hub in Gulu, where she currently serves as the chairman of Creative Hub and also contributes as a trainer in sound production.
