Kampala: From the quiet village of Rwemizi in Ruhaama County, Ntungamo District, to the frontlines of Uganda’s biggest events, Isaano has become one of the country’s most recognized and respected photojournalists. His journey into photography began humbly, inspired by a local door-to-door photographer named Nkwatagye, whose images, though delivered weeks later, brought entire communities to life. As a young boy, Isaano would dream of owning a camera, often sketching the everyday scenes around him until he finally got hold of a basic camera to experiment with at community events.
Over time, his passion grew, and when he joined Next Media Services to work with NBS TV and Sanyuka TV, he found the perfect stage to refine his craft. His background as a high jump athlete, where he once brought home national medals, instilled the discipline and relentlessness that now drive his pursuit of powerful images and untold stories.
For Isaano, photojournalism is not just about taking pictures—it’s about capturing truths that words often fail to express. He recalls his early admiration for Nkwatagye, whose simple photographs brought immense joy to villagers, and realized that images carry universal power. Whether photographing the Kyabazinga of Busoga giving a high-five during his royal wedding, or documenting the chaos of a Kampala protest, Isaano believes that great photojournalism lies in a balance of timing, composition, emotion, and above all, authenticity. His images are designed to stir feelings—joy, pain, or hope—because, as he says, “a single photo should make you feel something.”
Balancing his dual roles at NBS TV and Nile Post demands precision and resilience. Both platforms thrive on immediacy, and Isaano juggles them through strict time management, prioritization, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling. But the challenges of being a photojournalist in Uganda remain steep. From the high costs of equipment to the hostility of security forces—he has faced beatings and arrests, including during the Kawempe North by-election in 2025—Isaano works in an environment where press freedom is fragile and personal safety is constantly at risk. Still, he refuses to be deterred, often walking kilometres to cover major events like the Busoga royal wedding, and using each challenge as fuel for his determination.
High-pressure moments—elections, protests, or arrests—are where Isaano’s instincts shine. He prepares meticulously, checks his gear, studies the context, and always keeps his exits in mind. “I remind myself why I’m there—to tell the story others can’t. Discipline keeps me alive,” he reflects. Yet, his work is not without its ethical dilemmas. In moments of grief or violence, he wrestles with whether to press the shutter. His guiding principle is empathy: if the photo tells an essential story and maintains the dignity of its subjects, he captures it. Otherwise, he lowers his camera, knowing that respect must coexist with responsibility.
Over time, his work has gained a reputation, with many eagerly awaiting “the Isaano shot” during major national events. He admits the expectation is both a compliment and a pressure, but he channels it into focus, always determined to find the one image that defines the moment. His photos have sparked public debate and sometimes even policy-level conversations. His coverage of the Kawempe North by-election brutality, for example, amplified calls for press freedom through petitions and public outcry. His viral 2023 shot of the Kyabazinga’s high-five spread joy and highlighted cultural unity, while another of the MTN CEO with President Museveni ignited discussions that even earned him recognition from MTN. But the image that resonates most deeply with him is from April 27, 2023, when he documented the arrest of eleven female Members of Parliament outside Parliament. The photo, showing their torn clothes, placards, and unyielding spirits, epitomized for him the courage and raw truths that fuel his work.
Through the lens, Uganda has revealed itself to Isaano in new ways. He has seen resilience in rural landscapes, vibrancy in bustling markets, and determination in people navigating hardships with grace. These stories have taught him to see beyond the surface and to honor the country’s diversity and spirit. His hope is that his work sparks dialogue, inspires action, and reminds Ugandans that their stories matter—that truth deserves to be seen.
To young aspiring photojournalists, Isaano offers clear advice: “Stay hungry, stay humble. Learn your craft, but also learn people. Be ready to walk miles, face risks, and keep going even when it’s tough. Tell stories that matter, and don’t let fear stop you.” For him, storytelling is a calling, one he would continue even if he weren’t a photojournalist. Perhaps he would coach young athletes in high jump, drawing from his years as a gold and silver medalist, or write stories in another form. Whatever the path, Isaano’s essence remains the same—capturing moments, inspiring others, and using his voice, or his lens, to shape Uganda’s narrative.
