Biography

River Dan Rugaju is a Ugandan actor and producer, known for Netflix's African Folktales, Reimagined (2023) and Swangz Avenue's short film Rolex (2020).

In 2017, Rugaju was cast in the play Blood, written and directed by Adong L. Judith, to play two roles: as the white American Police Officer and the white American Journalist. He received positive reviews for his performances in the multiple shows staged both at the Uganda National Theatre, and Theatre in the Park, Harare City, Zimbabwe.

Having started out with no formal training in acting or producing, Rugaju's body of work has largely been crafted from practical learning experience on each project undertaken. Working as an actor with renown directors has impacted his knowledge and skills to advance his acting career. In 2019, Rugaju completed a six-week residency for the inaugural Emerging Artists Intensive Theatre Lab by Tebere Arts Foundation in Kampala, receiving masterclass training in acting for theatre and live performance, facilitated by seasoned industry practitioners.

Although known for acting, Rugaju has also taken up roles behind the camera, in fact; as producer on the short film Boy No Fear (2023), associate producer on the short film Oije Ondaarire (2025), and producer on the M-net original feature film Twine is Missing (2023).

Rugaju is fluent in French, English, Runyankore-Rukiga and Luganda, and has had at least one speaking role for each of the languages, across his credits. He is a graduate teacher of French and Economics, with a bachelor's degree from Makerere University Kampala. He also plays various musical instruments including piano, guitar and adungu, which he enjoys for leisure.
- IMDb mini biography by: River Dan Rugaju