"Call 112" Exposes Disinformation’s Threat to Stability in Ugandan Premiere
Kampala, Uganda – The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Uganda and South Sudan (KAS) and O Studios Entertainment recently premiered their latest film, "Call 112," at the Century Cinemax in Kampala. The film tackles the timely and critical issue of disinformation and its potential to destabilize societies, particularly in the context of political campaigns and the pervasive influence of social media.
"Call 112" follows the story of James, a university student and TikToker struggling financially, who is lured into a scheme by Albert to spread disinformation about a prominent Member of Parliament, Teopista Ndyanabo, during her re-election campaign. James is paid to create and share videos on TikTok that attack Ndyanabo’s character and family, questioning even the paternity of her children. Initially motivated by financial gain, James soon becomes entangled in a web of lies and manipulation, realizing the severity of his actions only when it’s too late.
The film’s premiere was attended by key figures in the media and political landscape, including Anna Reismann, Country Representative of KAS Uganda and South Sudan. Reismann commended the film’s creators for their insightful and entertaining portrayal of the dangers of disinformation, particularly in the digital age. She highlighted the growing reliance on social media influencers as information sources, making them prime targets for those seeking to spread false narratives and sow discord. Reismann emphasized the educational value of "Call 112" and announced plans to partner with the Media Challenge Initiative (MCI) to screen the film at universities and the MCI-Media Hub in Kabalagala, aiming to raise awareness about the threat of disinformation among young people.
The urgency of addressing disinformation is underscored by the 2025 Global Risk Report by the World Economic Forum, which identifies both disinformation and misinformation as leading short-term threats to global stability. The report highlights how these phenomena erode trust, fuel societal divisions, and undermine effective governance. "Call 112" serves as a stark reminder of how easily misinformation can spread in today’s interconnected world, amplified by social media algorithms and the pursuit of online engagement. The film’s narrative powerfully illustrates the real-world consequences of fabricated stories and the damage they inflict on individuals, families, and the broader political landscape.
Usama Mukwaya, the film’s director, spoke about the challenges of navigating the constant influx of information in the digital age, where verifying the authenticity of content has become increasingly difficult. He stressed the vulnerability of everyone to disinformation and emphasized the importance of using his platform as a filmmaker to highlight this pressing issue. Mukwaya views "Call 112" as a critical contribution to the ongoing conversation about the role of media literacy and critical thinking in combating the spread of false narratives.
The partnership between KAS and O Studios Entertainment in producing "Call 112" signifies a concerted effort to address a complex and pervasive challenge facing Ugandan society and the world at large. The film’s planned screenings in universities and community spaces demonstrate a commitment to reaching a broad audience, particularly young people who are actively engaged in the digital sphere. By combining compelling storytelling with educational outreach, "Call 112" promises to be a valuable tool in promoting media literacy and fostering a more informed and resilient citizenry. The film’s impact will likely go beyond mere entertainment, prompting critical discussions about the information we consume and the responsibility we share in combating the spread of disinformation.