The eighth edition of the photography and photojournalism competition showcases Ugandan and East African photographers and photojournalists whose work provides a remarkable contribution to African photography, the freedom of information and education through visual images

"It is an honour to continue our cooperation with UPPA. This award provides a unique opportunity, notably for young people from Uganda and East Africa as well as talented photographers, to gain international recognition. Especially as the awards are growing in popularity year upon year. Last year, in 2018, we celebrated the inauguration of the East African Photography Award. The participation of Canon Central and North Africa (CNNA) alongside the UPPA has also paved the way for several practical workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of African photographers. These workshops form part of Miraisha, the programme we have been offering since 2014 to promote sustainable development in Africa”, stated Roman Troedhandl, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa.

The winners of the eighth UPPA, the second East African Photography Award (EAPA) and the fourth Young Photographer Award (YPA), were announced on Saturday, 26 October at the Kampala Railway Station. All three events are supported by Canon and overseen by the FOTEA Foundation,

The 8th edition of the UPPA was won by Ugandan freelance photographer Katumba Badru Sultan for his photograph “In Her Own World”. He received a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and an EF 24-70 lens.

The second edition of the EAPA was awarded to Ethiopian photographer Martha Tadesse for her documentary entitled Sifash Story. She won a Canon EOS RP and a 24-105mm lens.

The fourth edition of the YPA, which is aimed at budding photographers and photojournalists at the start of their career, was awarded to the photographer Immaculate Bashaba. Her prize was a Canon EOS 77D and 18-55mm lens. Moreover, she will be able to participate in a seven-month mentoring programme and photo exhibition at the next UPPA.

In total, three young photographers will take part in the mentoring programme. As part of its backing to this project, Canon will lend EOS 650D cameras with a EF18-55mm lens and provide a grant as a financial contribution to assist the programme and ensure its success.

These three prizes will be awarded at the start of the free exhibition, which runs until 16 November. During the event, several workshops, debates and screenings will take place. Furthermore, Canon will organise several training sessions for Ugandan photographers.

Calendar of activities offered by Canon

Professional photographers will review the portfolios of Ugandan photographers. These workshops will focus on how to develop your work as a young photographer and select images to be included in a portfolio.

Sumy Sadurni, a certified Canon trainer based in Uganda, will provide personalised sessions to Ugandan photographers who use Canon cameras. They will have the opportunity to work directly with her and broaden their knowledge of the equipment in order to obtain the best results.

Owners of Canon cameras and lenses will be able to have their equipment checked and clean for free to ensure they are in tip top condition.

Canon Speedlite flash training sessions will take place with Abate Damte, a certified trainer. These sessions will be dedicated to finding the best balance between natural light and artificial light generated by Speedlites.

Canon and UPPA will hold a five-day workshop on the basics of filming using a Canon DSLR camera.

Anna Kućma, director and founder of UPPA said: “Canon’s dedication to photography education and skills building across the continent is impressive and we are very pleased that Canon continues to support the UPPA’s programs, and we are proud to be associated with the brand. Since our collaboration began five ago, we have given many young photographers the opportunity to expand on their skills and to learn from inspiring trainers, as well as being able to experience Canon equipment first-hand. I look forward to our partnership continuing to flourish and contributing to building a new generation of visual storytellers from Uganda and East Africa”