By Buwule Joseph Mary
The Vice President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo, has praised renowned photographer Abu Mwesigwa for using the art of photography to document Uganda’s journey of transformation, unity, and stability, describing his work as an important contribution to preserving the country’s history.
Speaking during the launch of Abu Mwesigwa’s pictorial book, Alupo said photography remains one of the most powerful tools for preserving memories and communicating messages to generations.
Quoting a Chinese proverb, the Vice President noted that, “It is better to see something once, than to hear about it a thousand times,” emphasizing that people remember things more vividly when they see them with their own eyes.
“This is why the art of photography, if utilized well, is very impactful; it helps to capture important events and preserve them in the form of pictures and videos,” she said.
Alupo commended Abu Mwesigwa for mastering the craft of photography and for using his skills to support the Office of the President through visual storytelling.
“Abu Mwesigwa has mastered this art of photography, and I want to salute him for utilizing his skills to support the Office of the President. Abu’s pictorial book showcases Uganda’s journey towards transformation, unity and stability,” she said.
The Vice President described Abu as a disciplined and patriotic Ugandan whose commitment goes beyond earning a living.
“I commend Abu for his discipline and unwavering commitment to his Country. This proves that he is not just a careerist doing a job to earn a living. He has a bigger mission to preserve a record of the NRM’s achievements and contributions through photography,” she added.
Alupo also highlighted the autobiographical nature of the book, saying it reflects Abu’s personal struggles and resilience. She revealed that the photographer lost both parents at an early age but was supported by his elder sister, who ensured he continued with his education.
“Abu’s book is also autobiographical, as he shares insights from his life, which is marked by numerous struggles, including the pain of losing both his parents quite early. His elder sister filled the gap caused by this tragedy and supported him through school,” she said.
According to the Vice President, Abu’s success story demonstrates the importance of discipline, focus, and determination in overcoming life’s hardships. She said the book carries an important message for young people, many of whom are distracted from pursuing their dreams because of dangerous lifestyles such as alcoholism, smoking, and other harmful behaviors.
“This is an important lesson, especially for the young people, who are sometimes distracted from pursuing their dreams because of adopting dangerous lifestyles such as drunkenness, smoking, and others. Therefore, their lives are cut short and they are not able to help their families or make a meaningful contribution to the development of their Country,” she said.
The Vice President thanked Abu for sharing his personal journey, saying it will inspire many young Ugandans to use their talents and creativity to transform their lives and communities.
“I thank Abu for sharing his story. It will serve as a source of inspiration to many young people, whose strength and creativity should be employed to elevate themselves and their families,” she noted.
She concluded by applauding Abu Mwesigwa for his dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence in his service to the nation.
“Finally, I thank Abu Mwesigwa for performing his duties with diligence, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence, and wish him success in his future endeavors,” Alupo said.
Abu Mwesigwa, the official Senior Photographer to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also shared his experience capturing moments of the Head of State, describing both the pressure and privilege that come with the role.
Mwesigwa, a professional photographer born in Kajjansi, Wakiso District in 1989, studied at Mengo Senior School before joining Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art, majoring in Advanced Photography.
He began his career at New Vision as a photography intern before later working as a freelancer with the same media house. After some time, he was officially employed following a job advertisement for a photographer.
Recalling how he started working with President Museveni, Abu explained that State House first reached out through the then New Vision Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kabushenga, requesting a trusted photographer.
“That was around 2014. I was sent to State House to start taking photos of the President. I did a good job and the State House team decided to retain me,” Mwesigwa said.
Sharing his personal journey during the launch, Abu said persistence and hard work played a major role in shaping his career.
“I started working at New Vision as a freelancer while still in school. I had targets. When you are a freelancer, you have chances to take on as many assignments as possible. I used to do up to six assignments a day, and this challenged my editors,” he said.
“When the opportunity came, New Vision advertised for the position of photographer, and I applied. There were many applicants, but I succeeded. When you become a staff photographer at New Vision, you get access to more serious assignments, and this is when I started consistently taking the President’s photos,” he added.
The book launch attracted a wide range of guests, including senior government officials, some of Uganda’s leading photographers, journalists, and members of the creative arts industry.
The pictorial book is also expected to form part of the official gift package for guests attending the national swearing-in ceremony of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.