Bold Photographers to Know From Uganda

Mugasha uses photography as a platform to uncover hidden places, show old things in a new light and showcase the beauty in everyday life that may sometimes go unnoticed. “Uganda has lots of hidden gems, from its wildlife to its people and nature, and it’s my purpose to show it to the world from my own perspective.”

Abdul discovered photography while at university and even though she has yet to find her niche, photography remains a part of life that she truly looks forward to, a learning experience. “After graduation, I didn’t feel ready enough to identify as a professional photographer, which is why I have continued with my exploratory attitude, as opposed to quickly fitting into a particular niche. Keeping my options open means I expose myself to more subjects; although people remain a favorite.”

Latim’s close friends call him Mountain Goat after his altitude endurance. He will go to great lengths and heights to capture a great shot. “Photography is this constant experiment for me, to learn to tell stories. With every photo I’m iterating the different possible number of ways, angles, to say as much about that moment, person or event, while framing as little as I possibly can.” Latim’s photo was awarded Winner Portrait and Overall Categories at Uganda Press Photo Award in 2017.

Pipes uses photography to get away from the madness of advertising and to capture moments to share with the world. “There is so much beauty in Uganda that we take for granted and I feel that the lens can do such a wonderful job capturing that beauty. In our busy lives, it’s easy to pass those moments by and forget they even happened. But with photography, I can document those moments for an eternity.”

Bwire believes that images are a powerful tool of communication and have helped drive a lot of attention towards different movements worldwide. To her, photography means being able to communicate, to freely tell a story she has had the privilege of experiencing. She says that while it is important to evoke empathy, especially when documenting issues, it is also vital to be aware of appropriation and the gaze. “I think artists have a responsibility to contribute to society by documenting and representing individuals, themselves included, while preserving the dignity of whoever they choose to represent and document.”

Natumanya, commonly known as Tabz, is a law graduate and photo journalist for NBS TV and Nile Post. He is also famed for being the photographer for Honorable Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also know as Bobi Wine, a politician, businessman, entrepreneur and popular musician. Tabz deems his photography to have an all-around spirit, but his current occupation is giving it a political curve.

Katumba is a multi-award-winning freelance photo journalist. Last year, his photos won best in both the Sports and News categories in the Uganda Press Photo Award. “The camera has been kind to me, filling my stomach with food and a roof over my head. The camera has led me into the confines of glorious walls, I have snapped away at heads of state, traveled to Asia, I have seen smiles of hope, captured tears of joy and moments that define our common humanity, for Ugandan media houses.”

Kane is a terribly introverted radiologist who is plagued by social awkwardness. He uses photography as a way to communicate things he is unable to put into words. “I enjoy and do try out different types of photography, but if I had to pick, I’d be happy sticking to portraiture and wildlife and nature photography. Capturing someone’s portrait for me is like finding a way to show them what you think of who they are, what you see that they can’t. In a way it’s like having a conversation.”