2025 East African Press Photography winners named

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From devastating conflicts and political upheaval to the Kiteezi landfill crisis, the award-winning works at the 2025 East Africa Press Awards (EAPA 2025) documented some of the most pressing issues facing the region today.

It was an evening of stories, community, and recognition that brought together photographers, artists, partners, and individuals who continue to believe in the power of visual storytelling.  In 2025, Uganda Press Photo Awards (UPPA) had an “Open Theme”—meaning photographers could submit works across various themes.

Joel Gabriel Agaba receiving a Fuji film camera from Jandri Angelo Aguilor, a marketing specialist of Fujifilm in Middle East and Africa after Agaba claimed the Young Photographer Award at the UPPA 2025 Photo Exhibition. (Photo by Ignatius Kamya)

Before the awards event, held at Motiv Uganda’s People District on Friday, a free exhibition was open to all.  The exceptional panel of judges for the 2025 Uganda Press Photo Awards was an accomplished group of East African photojournalists and documentary photographers.  These included Edward Echwalu (Uganda), Maheder Haileselassie (Ethiopia), and Ala Kheir (Sudan).

The contestants were judged on three aspects, namely human, where contestants were adjudged on sharing pictures that speak to humanity and mankind, and also images that relate to anything happening in the world (planet). A special consideration was also given for creative and imaginative images.

Like the judges observed, it was a very competitive field with competitors showing a strong commitment to authentic visual storytelling. 

Sudan’s Amar Abdallah was the winner of the East African Photography Award (EAPA) stories 2025.  Amar's 'Temporary Homes' was a reflection on his family's journey of displacement, resilience, and the search for belonging in a new, unfamiliar home. 

Amar won a Fujifilm X-T5 camera and XF 16-50 kit courtesy of sponsor Fujifilm.  The Kenyan duo of Jeremiah Onyango and Maureen Gathoni were second and third, respectively, with honorary mentions going to Daniel Irungi Mwangi (Kenya) and Sosina Mengistu (Ethiopia).

The EAPA Single Images category was won by Sudanese photographer Israa Alrrayah and was followed by Kenya’s Don Wilson Odhiambo. There was an honorary mention for Lucas Oyugi, also from Kenya. Uganda’s freelance photographer, Badru Sultan Katumba, won the Planet category, while Natnael Ashebir from Ethiopia won the Imaginative category.

Vision Group’s photographer Simon Peter Tumwine, who submitted harrowing photos of the Kiteezi landfill tragedy in 2024, settled for an honorary mention in the Uganda Press Photo Award.  The award was won by Timothy Akolamazima, followed by Serina Kirabo and Vanessa Mulondo. 

Photography enthusiasts looking at the incredible photos took by Kenya's Daniel Irunga Mwangi. (Photo by Ignatius Kamya)

The Young Photographer’s Award 2025 was won by Joel Gabriel Agaba. In second place were Victor Kibalama and Hannah Bitebekezi in third.  Sandrah Agwico got an honorary mention. 

“The world around us is changing fast, and as creative workers, it is our job to understand, keep up with, and explain those changes. The impacts of cultural, socio-political, environmental, and technological issues are growing larger as globalisation links us all together closer, and the old collide with the new at every turn,” judges advised the winners.

The Uganda Press Photo Award (UPPA) is an established competition initiated around 2012, supported by organisations like Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, the European Union, the Embassy of Sweden in Kampala, Fuji Film, and Fotea.