Through his storytelling, Derrick Ssenyonyi is promoting Uganda’s tourism offerings and promoting it in ways that boost economic value to Uganda’s country.
At just 27, Derrick Ssenyonyi is not your average photographer. Known for his infectious energy and love for storytelling, Ssenyonyi has taken the world of tourism and travel by storm, creating a niche that goes beyond typical photography.
The multi-award-winning photographer first gained attention when a video of him shouting “njagala vayibu! njagala vayibu!” (give me vibe) while capturing the perfect shot while on a boat during a trip.
Over the weekend, the passionate photographer held his inaugural photo exhibition titled “Timeless Frames: A Showcase of Uganda’s Beauty”. The well attended exhibition happened at the Kampala Serena Hotel and this came against the backdrop of him marking of seven years of travel and photography across Uganda.
It highlighted the visual storyteller’s works through stories showcasing stunning visual stories of Uganda’s natural landscapes, wildlife, and cultural moments.
Speaking to The Observer, Derrick revealed that “This exhibition is a dream come true for me.” “It’s a celebration of Uganda’s natural beauty, and I hope it inspires others to appreciate and conserve what we have.”
While there, attendees got to delve into musical performances by Lilian Mbabazi and Aka Dope Band, a gala dinner, and an auction of Ssenyonyi’s work. The exhibition will not only provide a platform for the “Timeless Frames: A Showcase of Uganda’s Beauty” also provided an opportunity to showcase his talent but also offer an immersive experience that highlights Uganda’s tourism potential.
The exhibition attracted attendance from the media fraternity, top leadership from Uganda Tourism Board, Private Sector Foundation, content creators and fellow visual storytellers and photographers.
Dating back to his humble beginnings as a 16-year-old passionate street photographer, Derrick walked door-to-door as a street photographer, offering instant photos to customers for UGX 2,000. It was during this time that his passion for visual storytelling began to develop, and he became inspired by the tourists he saw with cameras at places like Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Determined to pursue a career that combined his love for photography and Uganda’s natural beauty, he enrolled in a diploma program in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute. This education deepened his understanding of Uganda’s tourism industry and inspired him to capture the country’s rich landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and cultural heritage.
“I used to see tourists with their cameras, and it sparked my curiosity. I knew one day I would be the one behind the lens, capturing the beauty of Uganda,” Ssenyonyi recalls.
Elevating From Street Photographer to Tourism Ambassador:
Ssenyonyi’s path wasn’t always straightforward. Before establishing himself as a renowned photographer, he took on various jobs, including working as a construction porter and car washer. However, his passion for visual storytelling and tourism remained strong. As his photography skills developed, he transitioned into travel photography, where his love for promoting Uganda took center stage.
He quickly built a reputation as a content creator and tourism influencer, working with brands that align with his values of conservation and sustainable travel. “My content centers around tourism, and I’ve even turned down deals from brands that don’t align with my values,” Ssenyonyi says. “I want to promote what I truly believe in—travel and conservation.”
On His Commitment to Conservation:
For Ssenyonyi, photography is about more than capturing beautiful images—it’s about telling stories that inspire conservation. His work has been recognized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), with its Director of Tourism and Business, Stephen Masaba, praising him for his dedication to promoting Uganda’s natural treasures.
“Every image in *Timeless Frames* tells a story of our responsibility to preserve Uganda’s natural beauty,” Ssenyonyi explains. “In creating this body of work, my intention has always been to dive deeper into the role art plays in conservation and tourism.
The Role of Visual Storytelling in Promoting Tourism:
The impact of Ssenyonyi’s work has not gone unnoticed by Uganda’s top tourism stakeholders. The *Timeless Frames* exhibition has garnered the attention of key figures, including Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) CEO Lilly Ajarova and PSFU Vice Chairperson Sarah Kagingo. Both leaders highlighted the crucial role of visual storytelling in shaping Uganda’s tourism narrative.
Looking Ahead: A Global Vision:
As Ssenyonyi continues to elevate Uganda’s profile through his photography, his future looks bright. He dreams of expanding his work globally and is already planning a Paris edition of *Timeless Frames*.
Additionally, Derrick hopes to inspire the next generation of content creators, believing Africa will soon need trusted visual storytellers to promote the continent’s rich culture and natural beauty.
His personal bucket list includes new adventures like skydiving, but his heart remains committed to exploring and capturing the untold stories of Uganda.
With the “Timeless Frames” exhibition set to run until October 31, Derrick Ssenyonyi’s work is well on its way to redefining Ugandan tourism through the power of visual storytelling, connecting people to the beauty, culture, and essence of the Pearl of Africa.
