Never Give Up


  • Photographer
    Katelin Dutton
  • Prize
    Honorable Mention
  • Company/Studios
    Katelin Dutton
  • Date of Photograph
    2012
  • Technical Info
    Nikon D-5000, 18-200 mm

This series depicts people who live in Kampala, Uganda and seeks to share the stories of people who are most effected by extreme poverty. Out of the many challenges of living in a developing world, they're still able to face the next day. As I work in Uganda, I'm continually humbled by the strength and resilience of Ugandans.

Story

Never Give Up is a series of photographs that seek to humanize the people of Uganda. When I ask most Americans what the first thing is that comes to mind when they think of Africans, it’s usually an image of a desperate orphaned child; an atrocious genocide; the AIDS epidemic or famine. The majority of pictures of African people do a good job at scaring people off from every coming here. Media has played a large role in the African spectacle, especially with the recent Kony 2012 campaign. In response, a Ugandan friend laughingly replied, “Kony hasn’t been here since 2002!” What happened to the Ugandan voice in all of it? Why are we focusing on what hasn’t worked in Uganda, when there are so many things that are inspiring and humbling?

I’m convinced there’s another side of Africa, one that is rarely represented or heard, that exists within the strength and character of its people. I want to show you stories of the other side of Africa, one of resilience and determination.

Since I’ve been in Kampala, I made many friends in slum areas. In places where mzungus aren’t supposed to go, to meet the people most affected by extreme poverty. I am incredibly inspired by the resilience and strength of Ugandans, who through life’s many challenges: food shortages, inflation, tiring politics, high unemployment, overpopulation, impossible visas, malaria and a high population living HIV positive. It’s the people at the bottom of the chain, who are affected the most. Yet somehow they’re able to face the next day with a smile. And as a friend told me, “you make Uganda work how you need it to work for you.”

This is very true in the Ugandans I’ve met, who work incredibly hard to provide for their families. It seems everyone in Kampala is apart of the daily hustle to make ends meet, owning a small food stall, selling milk, cleaning houses, selling sunglasses in the street. And competition is high. Under these circumstances you have to work smarter and harder. Families work together, many women taking care of children from extended family members, and paying school fees for their siblings. The people of Uganda have an incredible sense of pride in what they do and are by far the happiest people I’ve ever met.

As I write this, I’m in the center of Kampala, Uganda. I’m currently the Communication Intern for the non-profit organization BeadforLife. The title of this series comes from the quote,“Never, never, never give up” by Sir Winston Churchill.

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