Derrick Ssenyonyi’s “Timeless Frames” Exhibition Celebrates Uganda’s Beauty Amid Calls for Policy Reforms

After seven years of capturing Uganda’s natural splendor, renowned travel and tourism photographer Derrick Ssenyonyi hosted a breathtaking exhibition at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The event, aptly named “Timeless Frames,” unveiled Ssenyonyi’s vivid portrayal of Uganda’s scenic landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, all underscored by the importance of conservation.

The exhibition, a green and gold-themed gala, attracted Uganda’s top travel enthusiasts, content creators, conservationists, and key tourism industry stakeholders. Attendees were captivated by Ssenyonyi’s photography, which brought Uganda’s beauty to life.

“This exhibition is more than just art; it’s a narrative of Uganda’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Content creation is hard, but hard work never goes unnoticed,” Ssenyonyi remarked. However, he expressed frustration with high equipment taxes and strict drone laws that have hindered his work. “I’ve been arrested five times for using a drone. We need policies that enable content creators to work more efficiently,” he urged.

Lilly Ajarova, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board and the evening’s chief guest, highlighted the pivotal role of content creators in promoting tourism. “Photographers and videographers are our biggest assets. Their work draws global attention to Uganda,” she said, announcing UTB’s plans to support and build capacity for content creators, including organizing familiarization trips and setting up a fund for competitions.

The event also featured a live performance by singer Lilian Mbabazi and concluded with an auction of Ssenyonyi’s art, fetching prices as high as Shs 2 million.

Ssenyonyi announced that the exhibition would become an annual event, with future editions showcasing the work of other photographers alongside his own.