Presidential Press photographer Abu Mwesigwa to launch book ahead of Museveni swearing-in ceremony
Mwesigwa announced that his book, “Moments With Mzee,” will be officially unveiled on Friday at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
Abu Mwesigwa, Presidential Press photographer holding one of his books. The “Moments With Mzee,” will be officially unveiled on Friday at the Kampala Serena Hotel. (Photos by Juliet Kasirye)
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Presidential Press photographer Abu Mwesigwa has unveiled a deeply personal and visually rich account of his 12-year journey capturing the life and moments of the country’s long-serving leader in a new book.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on May 6, 2026, Mwesigwa announced that his book, “Moments With Mzee,” will be officially unveiled on Friday at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
The launch comes just days before the presidential inauguration scheduled for May 12 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Museveni orders thousands of books
In a strong endorsement of the publication, President Yoweri Museveni has already ordered thousands of copies to be distributed to guests and dignitaries attending the inauguration, signalling both the political and historical significance of the work.
Mwesigwa said other senior figures have also reportedly placed bulk orders. He described the book as more than a collection of photographs, positioning it instead as a deliberate effort to document Uganda’s recent history through visual storytelling, an area he believes has long been neglected.
“Uganda is still largely undocumented. When you look at countries that have preserved their history through images, research, and books, we are still lacking. A lot was lost during the years of civil unrest, homes destroyed, offices burnt, and professionals leaving the country. Many records disappeared.”
He traced this gap back to historical disruptions, including the 1970s expulsion of Asians under Idi Amin, which led to the departure of many skilled professionals involved in documentation, research, and film.
According to Mwesigwa, the consequences are still evident today, with Uganda playing catch-up in preserving its national memory.
The photographer also pointed to modern challenges, particularly the digital age, where people capture countless images but fail to archive them properly.
Abu Mwesigwa, the Presidential Press photographer addresses journalists during a press conference about a book launch at Uganda Media Centre, in Kampala on 6th May 2026. 
“Today we have phones full of pictures and videos, but we don’t back them up. We lose so much data. I wanted to set a pace, to show that we can document our lives, our leaders, and our country intentionally,” he said.
At the heart of the book are rare, behind-the-scenes images of President Museveni, moments that the public has never seen.
These range from official engagements to intimate family interactions, offering what Mwesigwa describes as a more human portrait of the President.
“I have seen him laugh, I have seen him relaxed, I have seen him with his children and grandchildren. These are moments that rarely happen again. That is why I call them moments, because once they pass, they can never be recreated,” he said.
Beyond imagery, the book also includes short narratives explaining the context behind each photograph, how the moments unfolded, the challenges of capturing them, and the unpredictability of real-time storytelling through a lens.
Mwesigwa said his proximity to the President gave him a unique perspective that he felt compelled to share with the world.
“There is a way I know him because of the chance he gave me to work closely with him. I felt I should tell that story, not just in words, but visually,” he said.
He described Museveni as a “world icon” and a “patriot,” emphasising qualities such as humility, patience, and resilience, themes that run throughout the book.
The publication also delves into the President’s family life, featuring images and stories involving First Lady Janet Museveni and their children, including Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
In addition to profiling the First Family, Mwesigwa weaves in his own personal journey, from being raised by his sister after losing his parents at a young age, to eventually becoming the President’s official photographer.
He said this narrative is meant to inspire young Ugandans and provide context to his work. “I wanted people to understand not just the President, but also my journey, where I come from, the challenges, and what inspired me,” he said.
The book is priced at sh350,000 ($100), and will be available for purchase starting Friday evening. Mwesigwa also revealed plans to translate the publication into multiple languages and launch it internationally, targeting a global audience.
“I want to take this story to the world. I believe people will appreciate it,” he said. President Museveni himself reviewed the book before publication, wrote its foreword, and offered feedback, a gesture Mwesigwa described as deeply motivating.
About Mwesigwa
Born in Kajjansi, Wakiso district in 1989, Abu Mwesigwa is a professional photographer with a bachelors degree in fine art- majoring in Photography from the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and fine arts. He has several certificates from the German School of Photojournalism.
He also has a certificate in online communication and publication. Mwesigwa has wide-ranging experience acquired from working with The New Vision printing and publishing company limited, Uganda's leading media organisation, where he spent two years working as a an intern and later staff photographer from 2012 to 2014.
During his tenure at New Vision, Mwesigwa covered a number of assignments, including political riots, street life, society and entertainment events. and fashion. During his time in the newsroom, he won many accolades as best photographer of the month and year, respectively.
In his last year at the company, he was selected as the best photographer of the year in the Uganda Press Photo Awards (UPPA), beating 29 contenders across different photography categories.
From the New Vision, he joined the Presidential Press Unit as a staff photographer. In his job, he has excelled in capturing different social, political and economic moments across the country.
His work captures presidential visits to different parts of the country and abroad. His work appears in the print and presidential social media platforms.
Abu Mwesigwa's photographs have entranced the followers of the President, especially on social media.