Stephen Masaba, Director of Tourism and Business at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), also praised visual creative work for its contribution to both tourism and conservation. "Visual storytelling plays a vital role in promoting our natural heritage. Derrick’s art evokes an emotional connection with our environment, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the importance of conservation," Masaba stated.
As more creatives and storytellers leverage digital platforms, Uganda's beauty is poised to live on eternally. This was affirmed by the inaugural “Timeless Frames” visual exhibition. The “Timeless Frames” exhibition showcases Ugandan stories through digital equipment, offering a real-time experience and more.
This annual event complements other initiatives like the “My Gorilla Family” app, which allows tourists to track gorilla family activities in real time without being physically present in the park. At the launch of Derrick Ssenyonyi’s "Timeless Frames" exhibition, State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Kabyanga Baluku, highlighted the transformative potential of digital media and visual storytelling.
He praised it as a revolutionary means of celebrating the intersection of art, culture, tourism, and conservation. Kabyanga underscored the importance of using modern communication platforms to promote Uganda's rich culture, history, and natural beauty to a global audience.
"At the Ministry, we believe in the incredible potential of digital media and creative industries to drive social and economic transformation," he remarked. He noted that events like "Timeless Frames" not only showcase the country’s cultural wealth but also play a significant role in promoting sustainable tourism, a key pillar of Uganda’s economy.
The "Timeless Frames" exhibition by Derrick Ssenyonyi offers a visual journey through Uganda’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. According to Kabyanga, the exhibition embodies the Ministry’s commitment to promoting Uganda’s story globally while also supporting creative industries and fostering innovation in digital content creation.
“This exhibition is more than an artistic endeavor; it is a tool for promoting sustainable tourism and highlighting Uganda’s natural beauty to the world,” he added. Kabyanga expressed confidence that the exhibition would mark the beginning of a long-term collaboration between the government and creative industries, committing to support young Ugandans in pursuing careers in these sectors.
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Stephen Masaba, Director of Tourism and Business at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), also praised visual creative work for its contribution to both tourism and conservation. "Visual storytelling plays a vital role in promoting our natural heritage. Derrick’s art evokes an emotional connection with our environment, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the importance of conservation," Masaba stated.
He highlighted Uganda’s wildlife and national parks as key attractions for tourists and praised the partnership between artists and conservation authorities in promoting responsible travel. Masaba urged all stakeholders to support initiatives like "Timeless Frames," which amplify the message of conservation while promoting Uganda as a prime tourism destination.
“As Uganda continues to position itself on the global stage through creative industries, the collaboration between government, artists, and conservation authorities like UWA will be essential. The "Timeless Frames" exhibition serves as a testament to how art can be a powerful tool for both storytelling and economic development,” he further stated.
Derrick Ssenyonyi, the award-winning Ugandan visual storyteller behind the "Timeless Frames" exhibition, expressed gratitude to the Ministry and partners for their support. He emphasized that visual storytelling captures Uganda's beauty, heritage, and soul with powerful impact.
"Timeless Frames is a reflection of Uganda’s untold stories, its raw beauty, challenges, and endless potential," Ssenyonyi stated. He added that the goal is not only to celebrate Uganda's landscapes and wildlife but also to inspire action in preserving the nation's fragile ecosystems. Ssenyonyi encouraged both Ugandans and the world to embrace sustainable tourism and participate in conserving Uganda's natural and cultural treasures.
Ssenyonyi also acknowledged fellow creatives for amplifying Uganda’s voice on digital platforms. "To the content creators, visual artists, and storytellers in Uganda, this moment is for us. We are not just entertainers; we are cultural ambassadors, and our work has the power to influence and inspire change," he said.
Tourism is one of Uganda’s fastest-growing sectors, and with the country often referred to as the "Pearl of Africa," initiatives like this provide an opportunity to showcase its beauty while encouraging responsible travel and conservation efforts.
The inaugural exhibition is set to run from October 1st to October 31st at Summit View Residences and is expected to attract both local and international tourists as Uganda continues to carve out its place in the global cultural and creative industries.
Dennis Kasule Ssebunya
Freelancer