AFP presents a reportage of 35 photos taken by AFP photographer Badru Katumba of Uganda's St. Julian High School prom party themed "A Night in Italy" in Gayaza, on May 19, 2026. Uganda's high school proms, influenced by global youth and celebrity culture and amplified by social media, have become lavish celebrations blending fashion, creativity and status with local styles of celebration. Mostly seen in elite and urban schools, the events feature themed decor, luxury arrivals and elaborate outfits, with some students previously making headlines for arriving by helicopter before the government banned helicopters and luxury SUV's at school events. Schools balance student expression and modern trends with cultural values and stricter government regulations.. Search for all these reportage images using: UGANDA-EDUCATION-ECONOMY-CULTURE-FASHION-PROM Search "REPORTAGE" to source all feature, magazine and visual stories. (Photo by Badru Katumba / AFP via Getty Images)