Ugadan Photojournalist Nominated for 2012 CNN Awards

Newsroom; The Observer newspaper photojournalist, Edward Echwalu is among the 27 journalists nominated for the 17th edition of the 2012 CNN Multichoice African Journalism awards. This years awards are scheduled for July 21 in Lusaka, Zambia. Known for his calm and laidback demeanour, Echwalu is one of the most respected photojournalists in Uganda. Yet it had to take the efforts of editors and friends to convince him to submit his works for nomination. "After weeks of pleading, Echwalu reluctantly submitted in five photos just a day to the submission deadline. The rather chilling, cinematic photos were all taken during last year’s walk-to-work riots. He hence dubbed his submission folder ‘Walk to Work or Walk to Death’." reads a story on The Observer's website. Reacting to news of his nomination, Echwalu, in his trademark solitary voice had this to say: “My pictures depict terror and that is a reminder to all photojournalists that we do not work for ourselves but rather for the good of society no matter what it takes.” Other Ugandan journalists that have won the award include last year's winners: Norman Katende (Photojournalism), Farouk Kayondo (TV News) and Benon Herbert Oluka (Tourism). Leone Ssenyange, (2010 Sports Award), Carolyne Nakazibwe (2002’s Health Reporting category) and Richard Kavuma (overall accolade in 2007). Earlier this year, Police officers allegedly beat Edward Echwalu as he was trying to cover the arrest of opposition leader Kizza Besigye at Kira Road Police Station in the capital, Kampala. On April 5th, he recorded a statement with the police's Professional Standards Unit. Police promised to thoroughly investigate the matter within three weeks and hold anyone found responsible accountable, but by press time, the case was not yet resolved.