Elly E. Debuni
Known for DirectingBorn 2003-07-07Lira, Northern Uganda
Elly E. Debuni is a Ugandan filmmaker, working as a director, writer, and producer. His work is rooted in Northern Uganda, where he is part of a growing movement of storytellers bringing new energy to a space that has long been quiet.
He approaches filmmaking with clear purpose, telling stories that feel honest, lived-in, and close to home.
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His short films, Hurdles of Hope (2024), a sports drama, and Echoes of Sarah (2025), a psychological thriller, reflect his range and voice. His storytelling is intentional and grounded in culture, drawing from real experiences and everyday life. Through his work, he explores themes that connect deeply with people while still reaching beyond his immediate environment.
He also served as a producer on the feature film You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye (2025), a Ugandan psychological thriller developed and produced through a collaborative team of filmmakers. This work marks his growing presence in long-form storytelling and his commitment to building stories at scale.
Originally from Lira City, Debuni is also a spoken word artist and poet. His creativity extends beyond film, as he continues to build spaces where different forms of expression can meet and grow. He is especially passionate about telling stories in indigenous languages, often blending Leb Lango with English to keep local identity present on screen.
At the heart of his work is a clear mission: to grow a strong, self-sustaining film community in Northern Uganda. He believes that powerful stories can come from anywhere-and that they do not need permission to be told.