Curated by Egyptian documentary photographer Roger Anis, the exhibition featured the work of 10 journalists from across the Nile Basin, each offering a unique perspective on water and biodiversity in the region, and illustrating the profound impact these issues have on the lives of millions.
At Nommo Gallery, a moving photo exhibition titled The Everyday Nile opened on Friday, presenting compelling visuals that reveal the complex, lesser-known
stories of the Nile River.
Curated by Egyptian documentary photographer Roger Anis, the exhibition
featured the work of 10 journalists from across the Nile Basin, each offering a
unique perspective on water and biodiversity in the region, and illustrating
the profound impact these issues have on the lives of millions.
“Can storytelling make a difference for the Nile, burdened by so many
challenges? I believe it can,” wrote Anis, who was unable to attend in person,
in a thoughtful message printed in the exhibition guide distributed to
attendees.
Anis’ written words set the tone for the exhibit, which was well-attended by an
audience eager to explore the river’s multifaceted role through the eyes of the
journalists who documented it.
“Through images, we can create a broader narrative about the Nile-one that
spans biodiversity, environmental issues, social dynamics, and the political
situations faced by its citizens,” the curator added.
The exhibition marked the culmination of a year-long initiative that brought
together journalists from Burundi, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan, Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, and
the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Supported by a collaborative network, the photojournalists aimed to highlight
scientific, environmental, and social issues that often go under-reported in
discussions about the Nile Basin and River Nile’s future.
In a powerful series, Kenyan photographer Curity Adhiambo highlights pollution
and the critical struggle for clean water along the River Kuja. Similarly,
Ethiopian photographer Solomon Yimer shares the story of Lake Hawassa, once a
pristine lake now struggling under the pressures of pollution and urban expansion,
its waters turning murky and littered with debris.
Yet Yimer also showcases the resilience of local communities, documenting
efforts to plant trees, manage waste, and actively involve residents in
cleaning up the lake.
Tanzanian journalist Said Sindo used his lens to capture the pressing issue of
sewage management in Mwanza City, highlighting the threats it poses to the
livelihoods of residents who depend on the water and fish from Lake
Victoria.
Another photographer turned the lens to the hidden biodiversity of the river,
capturing often-overlooked species like insects essential to the ecosystem yet
frequently neglected in conservation efforts.
Sudanese photojournalist Ersa Abdelrazig Elfaki, unable to take new photographs
due to the ongoing conflict in her country, instead drew from her archives to
showcase vibrant images of dragonflies, whose radiant colours and graceful
flight symbolize resilience and freedom amid turbulent times.
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Dr Mathias Behangana, an environmental conservationist and senior lecturer at
Makerere University, said the often-overlooked species like small flies,
amphibians, and reptiles, emphasizing their integral role in water ecosystems
and biodiversity.
Dr Behangana, who was on a panel to discuss some of the exhibited photos,
noted that while the said species rarely receive public attention, they are
precisely adapted to their habitats for crucial reasons, underscoring the
importance of understanding their roles within the ecosystem.
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In another striking series, Rwandan photographer Samuel Ngendahimana captures
the delicate balance between humans and wildlife, showcasing local communities’
efforts to coexist with animals that frequently encroach on farmland and
fishing areas.
In the photos, he follows Atine Mukeshimana, a resilient survivor who now
navigates life on crutches after enduring a devastating hippo attack that led
to the amputation of his leg.
On the gallery walls, Daniel Kachunga from the Democratic Republic of Congo
presented the harsh realities of water scarcity in conflict-affected regions of
the country, where many are forced to drink contaminated water. Accessing this
water is further complicated by high prices, placing an additional burden on
communities already facing significant financial hardships.
Sara Haggag, in her frames, wove a story focused on Egypt's second-largest
lake, Burullus, which is shrinking under several threats, including urban
encroachment that converts wetlands into farmland. This transformation harms
the environment and disrupts the delicate balance within the lake's
ecosystem.
From Uganda, Ambrose Emodingo highlighted the story of the porters from the
Masesse landing site in Jinja City, who work tirelessly to support the thriving
trade around Lake Victoria. His work brings attention to their challenges,
including low wages, physical strain, and the constant risk of injury that they
endure in their daily lives.
Adding a layer of cultural and geographical insight, a section from Burundi
challenged the commonly accepted origin of the Nile, presenting breathtaking
landscapes that suggest the river’s source lies within Burundi’s borders.
“...if you trace the Nile back to its roots, you’ll find its source nestled in
the enchanting hills of Burundi,” Nitanga Tchandrou wrote a note intruding
viewers on his collection. These images sparked conversation among viewers and
underscored the ongoing debate over the Nile’s true origin.
“But I thought the source of the River Nile is in Uganda? Is that true? Is
there any evidence to support this?” asked Maureen Muka, a student from
Kyambogo University, voicing a question that reflects a long-standing debate
about the river’s origins.
The serene ambience, complemented by live music, fostered a contemplative
atmosphere for viewers, prompting them to reflect on the Nile's complex and
enduring significance.
As they gazed upon the walls of the renowned Nommo Gallery, The Everyday Nile emerged as more than
just an exhibition; it became a powerful call to awareness and action, urging
audiences to acknowledge the environmental and social challenges faced by this
iconic river, its tributaries, and the entire Nile Basin.
Meanwhile, Phillip Balimunsi, the curator of Nommo Gallery, expressed the
gallery’s dedication to utilizing art as a platform to highlight urgent social
and environmental issues, particularly those impacting Ugandan and East African
communities.
