In a bid to confront Uganda’s escalating environmental crises, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has thrown its weight behind a new private-sector initiative that uses the power of photography to demand climate action and drive policy reform.
Speaking at the official launch of the Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition 2026 in Kampala on June 2, Mr. Wilbert Ikilai, NEMA’s Assistant Commissioner for Environmental Education and Advocacy, emphasized that visual storytelling is a critical tool for triggering government accountability.
“If you take a picture of floods in Kampala, policymakers will be asking questions like, ‘What should we do about the floods?'” Mr. Ikilai stated. “One picture is worth a thousand words. If a picture is shared with the people out there, it will create awareness. When people are aware of what is happening, decisions can be made and responses can be sought from the concerned authorities.”
The 2026 competition is spearheaded by Uganda Baati Limited through its philanthropic arm, the Safal Uganda Baati Foundation. The initiative leverages photography to advance environmental conservation and education across East and Southern Africa, encouraging both professional and amateur shutterbugs to capture the complex relationship between nature, local communities, and sustainable development.
Mr Ikilai noted that NEMA-established in 1995 as the principal agency for environmental management and policy enforcement in Uganda-fully supports the campaign because it aligns directly with the authority’s core mandate.
The high-profile launch attracted key stakeholders from across the economic spectrum, including representatives from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), signaling a unified front between corporate leaders and environmental regulators.
Ms Jackie Tahakanizibwa, Head of External and Corporate Affairs at Uganda Baati, underscored the transformative nature of the campaign, noting that the initiative bridges the gap between artistic expression and environmental survival.
“At Uganda Baati, we believe that great photography does more than capture images; it captures stories, inspires action, and deepens our connection to the world around us,” Ms. Tahakanizibwa said. “Through this competition, every image has the power to spark awareness and inspire us to protect our natural heritage.”
The competition features significant financial incentives, with winners poised to walk away with cash prizes ranging from $500 to $3,000. Beyond the prize money, every submission actively funds regional education initiatives, including building classrooms and providing scholarships.
The urgency of the photography campaign is underscored by the grim findings of the State of the Environment Report 2024. The report highlights that Uganda is currently battling a severe cocktail of ecological threats that jeopardize both its rich biodiversity and human livelihoods.
The competition is open to professional, amateur, and youth photographers using either professional rigs or mobile devices. Submissions must be uploaded via the official campaign platform before the June 20, 2026 deadline, where an expert panel will judge them on creativity, originality, and ecological impact.