The Vice President of Uganda, H.E Jessica Alupo, has officially launched Moments with Mzee, a photographic book by presidential photographer Abu Mwesigwa, describing it as a powerful visual record of Uganda’s leadership journey.
The colourful launch event, held at Kampala Serena Hotel, brought together senior government officials, media practitioners, and cultural figures to celebrate what speakers described as a historic documentation of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership.
During the event, Vice President Alupo read a special message from Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in which the President praised Mwesigwa’s work and discipline.
“Thank you. Abu’s book showcases Uganda’s journey towards transformation, unity, and stability,” the President’s message read.
“I commend Abu for his discipline. His commitment to his country proves that he is not just doing photography as a career but is doing a job to earn a living. Abu has a bigger mission to preserve a record of the NRM achievements and contributions through photography,” the message added.
Vice President Alupo, who served as the chief guest, described Mwesigwa as one of the finest photographers in the country and commended his contribution to historical documentation.
“Abu Mwesigwa is one of the best photographers I have ever seen,” Alupo said during her address, praising his consistency in capturing key national moments.
The book, Moments with Mzee, documents a 12-year visual journey of President Museveni’s leadership through photography, capturing private, official, and historical moments.
Speaking at the launch, Abu Mwesigwa recounted his early career journey, revealing how he rose through the ranks at Vision Group.
“I started working at New Vision as a freelancer while still in school. I had targets,” Mwesigwa said. “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.”
“When the opportunity came, New Vision advertised for the position of photographer, and I applied. There were many applicants, but I succeeded,” he added.
He explained that becoming a staff photographer opened doors to higher-level assignments. “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 said.
The launch attracted senior government officials, including Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, and Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama, alongside journalists and media personalities.
Don Wanyama joined guests in celebrating the milestone, praising the role of photography in documenting Uganda’s political history.
Former international BBC journalist and Uganda Media Centre Executive Director, Alan Kasujja, also endorsed the publication, calling it an important historical record.
“I am fully behind this important book #MomentswithMzee,” Kasujja said. “I consider it an important historical record. An up close—and in many cases personal—look at, objectively, one of Africa’s most consequential leaders.”
Former journalist and National Medical Stores Spokesperson, Sheilla Nduhukire, also applauded Mwesigwa’s work, describing the book as a long-term cultural and historical archive.
“Abu is an unassuming human with incredible talent behind the lens,” she said. “This work becomes an important body of art and history, preserving moments that will be treasured for generations to come.”
The event at Serena Kampala Hotel turned into a showcase of memories, with dignitaries interacting, exchanging copies of the book, and reflecting on leadership moments captured over the years.
