We are proud to present this year's shortlisted photographers, in alphabetical order.
This year marks the 13th edition of the Uganda Press Photo Award, the 7th edition of the East African Photography Award and the 9th edition of the Young Photographer Award.
We received entries from across East Africa, showcasing an incredible array of talent. Over the years, these awards have become an important platform for photographers within the region, emphasizing the power of visual storytelling throughout East Africa.
We're looking forward to announcing the overall winners on October 17th—stay tuned!
Alex Nyende is a finalist at the Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine arts (MTSIFA ) Makerere University, pursuing a bachelor's degree of Industrial and fine arts. Alex is a Ugandan based industrial and fine artist driven by his passion in the Arts industry. This keeps him going and finding new creative ways of crafting his artworks especially in the field of Photography, Advertising design and Painting at large. His passion to impact the society by telling inspirational stories through multiple exposure compositions of photography and sensitizing about Child abuse in Buikwe district has been manifested in his works.
Ammar Yassir Mohammed Sallih Abu Baker is a Sudanese documentary photographer and videographer with a passion for storytelling, visuals, and cinematography. From a young age, he was drawn to photography, inspired by his father's interest in cameras and casual documenting. He quickly became the family photographer, capturing moments and memories. In 2021, he received his first camera as a gift from my cousin, and from that moment on, his love for photography only grew. He believes that photography is his way of expression, a universal language that everyone can understand. Ammar's work was exhibited in Padua, Italy at the International Photojournalism month and magazines like Autre and Tobemag.
Anthony Ochieng Onyango is a wildlife ecologist, educator, conservation and underwater photographer and filmmaker based in Nairobi, Kenya. His work is focused on creating conservation content that will inspire conservation action across all ages and races. As Executive Director and Founder of TonyWild Foundation, he promotes wildlife conservation through photography, film, and science, raising awareness and encouraging engagement. He also serves as a board member of the Conservation Alliance of Kenya. (CAK).
Apass Marley is a freelance photojournalist with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial and Fine Arts with a major in Photography from MTSIFA at Makerere University Kampala. Apass has a passion for capturing captivating moments in various genres of photography with a focus on politics, street photography, sports photography, climate resilience, Human health and sustainable transportation in urban areas. His work captures distinctive moments and showcases a keen eye for detail. Using unique perspective and creativity, his images bring out emotions and color while focusing on people and their surroundings together with the genuine interactions that unfold.
Awab Elmisabh Ali Abdelrahim is a sudanese artist and photographer.
Barbra Mercy Leni is a passionate photojournalist, visual storyteller based in the greater Kampala area. She is a graduate with a Bachelors degree in Mass Communication, and since completion, immersed herself in various projects and organizations that align with her passion for storytelling and social impact.
Derrick Milimo is an independent portrait and documentary photographer based in Nairobi Kenya. He focuses on documenting social, environmental and cultural issues in his native country Kenya. Derrick is also a member of African Photojournalism Database and a licensed drone pilot. Convicted by the Holy Spirit to be a follower of Christ.
Hajarah Nalwadda is a freelance photographer working with the New Vision newspaper in Uganda. Besides that, she is also works as a Stringer photographer in Uganda for different news agencies. Hajarah is a Ugandan, and has a bachelor's degree in Industrial Fine Arts (majored in Photography) at Makerere University, Uganda. Currently, she shoots sports and documentary photography with Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and private companies. In her profession as a photojournalist, she has participated and won photography competitions including, Environment Day photography awards in 2013, organized by the US Embassy in Uganda, Uganda Experts photography awards 2017 (2 runner up), Rugby photographer of the year with KEITH POWSE 2022 and KEITH POWSE 2023 in UK (Shortlisted), among others.
Hashim Nasr is a self-taught Sudanese visual artist whose work tackles themes of heritage, identity and childhood memories. Through surreal imagery with a blend of avant-garde photography, Hashim creates unconventional images that delve into the subconscious.
Nasr's recent work delves into the consequences of living in exile, as he is currently based in Alexandria, Egypt. Though he graduated with a degree in Dentistry, his passion for art photography led him to create surreal, concept-driven images. Using portraiture, props, and diverse locations, Nasr explores themes of gender equality and diversity, crafting otherworldly scenes that challenge conventional perspectives.
Nasr's recent work delves into the consequences of living in exile, as he is currently based in Alexandria, Egypt. Though he graduated with a degree in Dentistry, his passion for art photography led him to create surreal, concept-driven images. Using portraiture, props, and diverse locations, Nasr explores themes of gender equality and diversity, crafting otherworldly scenes that challenge conventional perspectives.
Hassan Kamil is a Sudanese photographer and filmmaker. He is a storyteller who utilizes both still and motion imagery to convey his message. His work focuses on cultural, historical, and humanitarian subjects, giving a unique and insightful perspective. Hassan's style is characterized by vibrant and lively imagery which beautifully captures the essence of modern Sudanese culture. He is a member of the African Photo Journalism Database and has worked on various projects in Sudan over the past five years ranging from photo stories to short documentary films. His work has been published in international and regional publications, including Vogue, GQ Middle East, Boy.Brother.Friend and the World Press Photo page. Notably, his work was featured on the cover of African Lens Volume 6. In 2022, he collaborated with the Le Guess Who music festival in the Netherlands to create an audiovisual that magnificently represents the rich tapestry of Sudanese music and culture.
Kabir Dhanji is a photojournalist, environmentalist, and activist for dignity, fairness, and a healthy planet. A self-taught photographer and writer, he describes his evolving perspective as a "skewed lens, that is constantly and forever learning to see and see anew." Influenced by surrealist and humanist art, his work follows the classic traditions of reportage. Kabir has documented famine, conflict, and piracy in Somalia, civil wars in Sudan and the DRC, and political unrest and tribal clashes in Kenya. His storytelling spans nomadic tribes in Ethiopia and North Africa to rodeos in Australia and the coasts of Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Time, The Guardian, The Atlantic, and more.
Khalid Alarabi is a filmmaker and photographer. His childhood adventures in photography evolved into a flourishing career with over a decade of practice. Khalid’s versatile photography style ranges from street and portraiture to cinematic documentaries and commercial work. His work is recognized across the MENA region and Africa, featured on “In the City”, “The Room-Locale” magazines, and at Dubai Expo 2020 on "Sudan Pavilion" exhibition. Other remarkable exhibitions by Khalid; "Modern Time", "Times in Change", "Stories from Karary", "Photo Identity", "Climate and Change” and “Fragile traces: Archives in times of conflict” in Hamburg, Germany.
Leah Alikobakwoyo Kabi has a profound passion for documenting the lives and stories of women, marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities. She seeks to shift the portrayal of women from being seen as sexual objects or lazy individuals to being recognized as equal contributors to the economic system. By showcasing the diverse roles, achievements, and contributions of women, marginalized groups, and PWDs across various sectors, Leah aims to challenge stereotypes and promote a more accurate and respectful representation. Through compelling visual storytelling, she hopes to foster greater understanding and advocate for equality in the workforce.
Lidiya Getenew Zelke is a multi-disciplinary artist from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She works at different organizations as a graphic designer and creative director. Her artworks usually tell stories of inner feelings, how they reveal and create layers of ourselves in experiences of excitement, anticipation, and loneliness, and how they crack and polish us through the journey of life by changing us irreversibly without us even sensing it. Lidiya was awarded Judges Choice Award for her Neon Girl piece by Northern Light Gallery, and has participated in different local and international exhibitions including Heylayer's SATOSHE and HERNFT Project as one of the 20 selected artists from all over the world. She is also one of the five artists selected from Africa to participate in the KIPYA KI? (What's new) exhibition prepared by FORMAT Festivals, FOTEA-new art city, Tropical Exhibition curated by De curated gallery, and participated in the 5th Pasa festival and African Metaverse exhibition. Her works have been published in various magazines such as Fèroce Magazine UK, En Vie Magazine, Post script Magazine, Espacio Fronterizo Borderland Magazine, Vagus Magazine, Picton Magazine, and the Vogue Italy website.
Miriam Namutebi has over eight (8) years' experience in photography and industrial art steaming right back from her university days. Professionally, she has gained six (6) years' experience in covering both field assignments and Parliament of Uganda proceedings in regards to photography. She's an adaptable, creative, energetic, passionate, self-motivated photographer with an eye for detail who is always eager to learn more about photography and enjoys challenges with patience to thrive in hectic, fast- paced environments while being result-based.
Mohamed Ibrahim is a Sudanese artist based in Kigali, Rwanda, with a deep passion for storytelling across various mediums, particularly visual arts. While photography is a personal hobby rather than a professional pursuit, it serves as a meaningful way for him to express his perspective on life. He has not participated in formal competitions or major exhibitions, aside from small showcases organized through Flash Kigali photo walks, a local photography collective he is a part of.
Olandason Wayama is a senior reporter with Uganda's leading daily, The New Vision covering the Karamoja sub-region and beyond, including parts of northwestern Kenya and South Sudan. His reporting spans nine districts in Karamoja, including Amudat, Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk, Napak, and Moroto in the south, as well as Abim, Kotido, Kaabong, and Karenga in the north.
Peter Irungu is a Kenyan born, raised and based photographer and digital artist.
Royal Kenogo is a multidisciplinary artist and documentary photographer based in Kampala, Uganda. She enjoys exploring and preserving the voices and narratives of the people in her community while putting a strong emphasis on storytelling and heritage preservation. Royal loves investigating different aspects of identity, culture, and existence via the visual arts. She has worked with a wide variety of artists in the past three years, recording their artistic processes and creations. Her images frequently focus on themes of connection, community, and culture. Royal is passionate about storytelling and documenting life through images. She meets a lot of new people, and it’s always an opportunity to observe the nuances of life and culture.
Sabrina Nambasa is a professional drone pilot and camera operator with over eight years of experience in the documentary and film industry. Passionate about showcasing Africa’s beauty, resilience, and diversity, she focuses on Uganda’s unique culture, social challenges, and biodiversity to inform and spark critical conversations.
Nitanga Tchandrou is a Burundian based photojournalist with 6 years of experience under his belt working with Agence France Presse (AFP). Nitanga has covered news and stories in his home country of Burundi as well as in the volatile South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nitanga's goal as a photographer is to create high-impact, evocative images that don't just inform, but also spark a fire in the viewer to get involved and take action. Luckily, through AFP's extensive global network, his powerful photographs have been published all around the world.
As a seasoned photojournalist, Nitanga has borne witness to so many important events and the very real human stories of people living in some of the most challenging regions of Africa. He has an eye for capturing raw emotion and critical moments - Nitanga wants his images to convey the humanity behind the headlines.
As a seasoned photojournalist, Nitanga has borne witness to so many important events and the very real human stories of people living in some of the most challenging regions of Africa. He has an eye for capturing raw emotion and critical moments - Nitanga wants his images to convey the humanity behind the headlines.
Meet the 2024 Shortlisted Photographers!
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