The growing influence of artificial intelligence in the creative industry took centre stage at a documentary photography exhibition that explored how emerging technology can complement traditional visual storytelling.
The exhibition, Echoes of Society, organised by photographer and social worker Meya Ukasha, was held on November 1, 2026, at Sunrise Hotel.
It brought together photography, poetry, technology and interactive artistic presentations to examine society through images captured across different communities.
One of the exhibition’s distinctive features was the integration of original photographs with artificial intelligence (AI) to produce new artistic interpretations.
The presentation demonstrated how emerging technologies can expand creative possibilities while retaining the original photographs as the foundation of the stories being told.
Ukasha said the exhibition was conceived to use photography as a medium for documenting society, preserving cultural identity and highlighting experiences that are often overlooked.
The initiative also reflected his interest in combining photography with social work to promote awareness and conversations around social change.
Guest speaker Uthuman Mugoya took participants through the history and evolution of photography, explaining its role in documenting historical events, shaping public opinion and advocating for social transformation.
He also discussed emerging developments in the creative industry, particularly the growing influence of artificial intelligence and other technological advancements.
Mugoya encouraged creatives to understand and embrace new technologies while remaining conscious of their artistic identity, originality and responsibility in visual storytelling.
His presentation challenged photographers to appreciate photography not merely as an artistic pursuit but also as a tool for historical documentation and social influence.
Mama Ambassador Angelina Wapakhabulo, who attended the exhibition, commended Ukasha for using his creative abilities to document society and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
She encouraged young people in the creative and arts industry to remain committed to their work despite criticism or limited recognition, emphasising the importance of consistency and belief in one’s purpose.
The event also featured a poetry performance by Mitch Isabirye, adding spoken-word storytelling to the visual experience.
Beyond the artistic presentations, the exhibition had a community-support component, with proceeds intended to contribute towards initiatives benefiting communities represented in the photographs.
Through Echoes of Society, Ukasha sought to demonstrate how traditional photography and emerging technologies can coexist in telling stories, preserving memories and creating new opportunities for social engagement.
