News & Media

Kampala, July 28, 2023 – Uganda Baati Limited (UBL), a leading manufacturer of Building Solutions and a member of the Safal Group®, is delighted to announce the commencement of the Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition 2023. The competition, which will run from 28 July to September 15, 2023, aims to ignite conversations and raise awareness about environmental conservation through the power of photography.

The campaign aims to foster meaningful engagements and sustainable partnerships with stakeholders and communities in the built environment markets. Additionally, the campaign seeks to establish deeper connections with the company’s internal and external communities, cementing Uganda Baati as a responsible corporate citizen wherever it operates.

The annual campaign was launched in 2017 under the name ‘MRM Eye in the Wild Photography Competition. It ran for two years before rebranding in 2019 to the Safal Eye in The Wild Photography Competition to reflect the parent sponsor, The Safal Group. The campaign has witnessed tremendous growth and engagement, capturing the attention of participants from Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Each year, the competition focuses on a critical element of the ecosystem to promote discussions and highlight the importance of environmental conservation. The theme for this year’s competition is “Drought”. Drought in Africa continues to have dire and severe consequences, particularly for the agriculture-dependent communities in the region. Insufficient rainfall and prolonged dry spells have reduced crop yields, increased livestock losses, and exacerbated food shortages. This in turn has caused a ripple effect significantly contributing to food insecurity in communities.

This year, the Competition seeks to highlight the effects of drought on communities and the power of resourcefulness and innovation in combating the scourge.

“The threats posed by drought and climate change are grave, and they demand immediate action. Through the ‘Safal Eye in the Wild’ Campaign, we aim to bring together the power of photography and conservation to ignite conversations, foster resilience, and drive climate action in our communities and beyond.” said George Arodi, Uganda Baati CEO during the launch event held at the Uganda Baati offices.

The esteemed panel of judges will evaluate photographs that showcase the effects of drought. They will be looking for images that evoke emotions, tell compelling stories, and convey the urgent need for environmental conservation and sustainable solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of drought.

Uganda Baati’s partnership with the National Forest Authority (NFA) on this campaign marks a significant and commendable step towards fostering environmental conservation and sustainable development. The collaboration between these two esteemed organizations highlights their shared commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges. “I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Uganda Baati for their commendable efforts in implementing initiatives like Safal Eye in the Wild (SEIW). I wholeheartedly support and applaud the company for taking proactive steps to address the pressing issue of drought and environmental conservation in general, which is a significant challenge in our society today.” Tom Rukundo, the Natural Forests Management Director said.

Through the Safal Uganda Baati Foundation, Uganda Baati has been investing in various community initiatives in Uganda in areas of Health, Education, Shelter and the Environment. These investments have been implemented in partnership with other stakeholders aligned to our company’s values.  Through such partnerships, photographers will have the opportunity to be part of various projects that seek to mitigate drought within their communities.

The competition will recognize the winners with generous cash prizes. The Gold award winner will receive USD 5,000, the Silver award winner USD 3,000, and the Bronze award winner USD 2,000. Additionally, other cash prizes and gifts will be awarded to outstanding entries.

Professional photographers and amateur enthusiasts alike are invited to submit their captivating images through the competition’s dedicated microsite at https://safaleyeinthewild.safalgroup.com/ by September 15, 2023.

About Uganda Baati Limited:

Uganda Baati Limited is a Safal Group member Africa’s largest steel roofing company. Founded in 1964, Uganda Baati was the first company in the East African region to set up an ultra-modern galvanizing line. With branches in Tororo and Arua and 13 showrooms across the country. Uganda Baati is the country’s leading manufacturer and supplier of roofing sheets and allied building products.

For more information

Ian Rumanyika

Head External & Corporate Affairs

Uganda Baati Limited

Phone: +256 312 260962/3

Email: ian.rumanyika@safalgroup.com