Uganda’s film and television industry continues to introduce fresh talent and one name steadily rising through the ranks is Isaac Mendez Kintu. A photographer turned actor, Kintu is now capturing audiences’ attention with his role as Idris in the TV series Loving Beyond airing on Pearl Magic Prime.
Having joined the film industry in 2022, Kintu describes himself as neither entirely new nor fully seasoned. He began his acting career under Limit Productions led by Richard Mulindwa where he honed his craft through rehearsals and early roles. His first appearance came in All For Love, followed by a lead role in I Apologize which earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the Uganda Film Festival. His momentum continued with Kimote where he secured a win in the same category in 2025.
Now in Loving Beyond, his fourth project, Kintu steps into the role of Idris, a complex, unpredictable character that has quickly become a talking point among viewers. “Idris is both a lover boy and a player. He doesn’t take things seriously and people are used to his ways. That is what makes him interesting,” Kintu says.
While he admits to sharing a carefree attitude with his character, Kintu is quick to point out the differences. “Idris is impulsive and irresponsible whereas Isaac is calm, observant and measured in real life.”
Interestingly, Kintu did not originally audition for the role of Idris. He had set his sights on the lead character Moses, but the casting directors saw something different in him. “At first, I did not want Idris, but once I understood the character and got into it, I started to love it. Now I can’t imagine playing anyone else,” he says.
The role has not only tested his versatility but also pushed him physically and emotionally. One of the most challenging scenes he has had to do involved an intense confrontation requiring extensive rehearsals and physical engagement. He says as an actor, you have to be ready to get hurt sometimes because even when it is acting, things can get real in those moments.
Beyond the action and drama, Kintu says the experience of being part of a major television production has been both exciting and overwhelming. Loving Beyond airs on a platform with continental reach something he had long aspired to be a part of.
“I used to dream of being on shows like Sanyu and Prestige but I didn’t know how to get there. Now being on Pearl Magic Prime feels like everything I prayed for is happening,” Kintu says.
Working alongside industry veterans in Loving Beyond such as Sarah Kisawuzi, Noah Nnyanzi and Charles Sempala has also been a defining part of his journey. While initially intimidating, Kintu admits he has learnt to settle into his space.
As Idris, Kintu has already sparked both admiration and criticism and he embraces all these reactions. “People hate Idris because he is manipulative and plays with people’s emotions, but they also love that he is a go-getter. He goes for what he wants.”
To aspiring actors out there, Kintu advises them to be patient and ready to invest in time and money because at the start you have to cater for most of your needs before you get paid.
Off screen, Kintu continues to pursue photography and nurture a passion for business. However, acting remains his top priority and his ambitions stretch far beyond Uganda. Inspired by global icons like Denzel Washington and Idris Elba, he hopes to collaborate with other actors across the continent particularly in Kenya and South Africa.
Since its debut, Loving Beyond has built a large following in its prime-time slot with viewers actively driving conversation around its characters online. The show airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on Pearl Magic Prime on DStv Channel 148 and GOtv Channel 303.
