East Africa team delivers expert coverage of Ugandan elections amidst an internet shutdown

By Rodney Muhumuza, Josphat Kasire, Brian Inganga, Evelyne Musambi, Patrick Onen, Hajarah Nalwadda and Joseph Mwihia

Amid an internet blackout, a heavy military presence and volatile political conditions, AP’s East Africa team delivered seamless, balanced and visually compelling coverage of Uganda’s national election — leading the field in accuracy, speed and depth.

Anchored by correspondent Rodney Muhumuza in Kampala, the team worked strategically ahead of polling day, anticipating the government-ordered shutdown. Muhumuza filed enterprise stories and an explainer in advance, and continued reporting post-election through dictation and SMS, coordinating closely with Evelyne Musambi in Nairobi to ensure clean, timely output even as digital communications were cut.

When the opposition falsely claimed its candidate had been taken by military chopper, Muhumuza — unable to access the internet — advised caution. AP held the story while competitors ran with it. He was right: the claim was untrue.

Video journalist Josphat Kasire secured critical live access via Uganda’s state broadcaster and, with freelancers Patrick Onen and Joseph Mwihia, captured vivid scenes of teargas, street deployments and Bobi Wine casting his vote. Kasire also secured three exclusive live shots — no other outlet matched this — while Jackson Njehia in Nairobi turned the edits around remotely.

Photographer Brian Inganga documented powerful images of the buildup and aftermath, coordinating freelancers like Uganda-based Hajarah Nalwadda for expanded reach across the country.

Judges praised the team’s foresight, precision and coordination under immense pressure.

For producing such comprehensive all-formats coverage despite immense logistical and security challenges, the East Africa team is honored with Best of AP – First Winner.