KAMPALA — Ugandan content creator and tourism storyteller Ssenyonyi Derrick has been named Tourism Innovator of the Year at the East African Youth Awards, earning recognition for his efforts in promoting regional travel and authentic African storytelling.
The announcement was made on the official platforms of the awards body, which celebrates outstanding young achievers across East Africa in sectors such as tourism, business, arts, and social impact.
In a message shared following the win, Ssenyonyi described the recognition as a collective achievement, dedicating it to supporters across the region, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
“This award does not belong to me alone. It belongs to every story I have told, every aspiring storyteller, every tour guide, ranger and porter, and every mountain I have climbed,” he said, emphasising the collaborative nature of his work.
He particularly acknowledged strong support from Rwanda during the public voting process, noting that regional backing played a key role in securing the accolade.
Ssenyonyi has built a reputation for documenting travel experiences across East Africa, showcasing landscapes, wildlife, and community tourism through locally grounded narratives aimed at reshaping how African destinations are perceived globally.
Documentary Premiere Set for Kampala
The award comes ahead of the upcoming premiere of a new documentary project titled “Back to the Source – The Nile”, which Ssenyonyi worked on alongside Ambassador Juju Nsababera.
The film, which follows Nsababera’s personal journey confronting aquaphobia along the River Nile, is scheduled for its national premiere in Kampala on April 25, 2026.
Prior to its Ugandan debut, the documentary premiered in Guangzhou, China, where it attracted over 300 diplomats from 44 countries and generated significant online engagement, reportedly drawing millions of views within 24 hours and sparking renewed global interest in Uganda’s tourism sites, particularly the Source of the Nile in Jinja.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda, have described the film as a powerful cultural piece that highlights Uganda’s landscapes, heritage, and tourism potential.
With both the award win and the anticipated documentary release, Ssenyonyi’s profile as a leading voice in East African tourism storytelling continues to grow, reinforcing the role of digital creators in shaping the region’s global narrative.
