Author Archives: Roland Sseruyima

By Roland Sseruyima, Secretariat Assistant Administrator

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), as it celebrates 50 years of advancing the public relations and communications profession in Uganda, is proud to unveil its Paid-Up Corporate Members for the First Quarter of the 2026 Calendar Year.

This milestone recognition highlights institutions that continue to demonstrate commitment to professional excellence, ethical communication, stakeholder engagement, and corporate reputation management through active membership with PRAU.

PRAU Paid-Up Corporate Members – Q1 2026

We proudly recognize the following esteemed organisations:

• Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited
• Uganda Bureau of Statistics
• Movit Products Limited
• The Microfinance Support Centre
• Deposit Protection Fund of Uganda
• Compassion International
• Perspective Consultancy

Their continued partnership reflects confidence in PRAU’s mission to strengthen communications leadership and promote world-class public relations practice in Uganda.

What is PRAU Corporate Membership?

Corporate Membership is a premium membership category under PRAU designed for companies, government institutions, NGOs, agencies, academic institutions, and private sector organisations that value strategic communication, reputation management, public engagement, and professional development.

It provides organisations with an opportunity to formally align with Uganda’s leading professional body for public relations and corporate communications.

Who is Eligible to Join?

Corporate Membership is open to:

• Government ministries, departments, and agencies
• Corporations and private companies
• Banks and financial institutions
• NGOs and development partners
• PR, branding, advertising, and media agencies
• Universities and learning institutions
• Startups and SMEs with communication interests

If your organisation engages stakeholders, manages reputation, communicates with the public, or seeks visibility and influence, Corporate Membership is for you.

Why Join PRAU Corporate Membership?

1. Brand Credibility & Prestige

Association with PRAU positions your organisation among trusted and forward-thinking brands committed to professionalism.

2. Networking & Strategic Partnerships

Access top communicators, CEOs, policymakers, media leaders, and industry influencers through PRAU platforms and events.

3. Capacity Building

Benefit from trainings, workshops, conferences, and masterclasses for your communications and leadership teams.

4. Visibility & Recognition

Gain opportunities for brand exposure through PRAU publications, digital platforms, events, and national industry engagements.

5. Awards & Industry Recognition

Participate in the prestigious PRAU Excellence Awards and other recognition platforms.

6. Policy & Industry Influence

Contribute to shaping the future of communications and public relations practice in Uganda.

PRAU at 50: Building the Future Together

As PRAU marks five decades of impact, growth, and professional leadership, we invite more organisations to become part of this golden journey.

Join the brands already setting the pace.
Join the network shaping Uganda’s communication future.
Join PRAU.

Become a Corporate Member Today.

For membership inquiries, contact the PRAU Secretariat.

PRAU @ 50 – Celebrating Legacy, Inspiring the Future.

By Roland Sseruyima, Secretariat  Assistant Administrator

As part of its golden jubilee celebrations, the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) continues to position the public relations profession at the center of national development through strategic engagement with key institutions.

PRAU today held a high-level strategic meeting with Uganda Media Centre Executive Director Alan Kasujja aimed at reintroducing the PRAU brand, mandate, and legacy as the association marks 50 years of advancing excellence in public relations and strategic communication in Uganda.

 

The meeting created an opportunity for both institutions to explore meaningful areas of collaboration that will strengthen communication standards, stakeholder engagement, and national storytelling.

Discussions centered on how PRAU and the Uganda Media Centre can jointly contribute to elevating the communications profession while supporting Uganda’s development narrative. Key areas of focus included:

• Strengthening institutional partnerships
• Enhancing stakeholder engagement platforms
• Developing joint communication initiatives
• Advancing the visibility and credibility of the PR profession
• Collaborating on national storytelling under the theme Brand Uganda

As PRAU celebrates five decades of professional leadership, this engagement reflects the Association’s renewed commitment to building strategic alliances that shape Uganda’s image, strengthen institutional communication, and amplify authentic national stories.

Through partnerships such as this, PRAU at 50 is not only celebrating the past, but actively defining the future of communication excellence in Uganda.

#PRAUAt50   #AdvancingPRExcellence

By Roland Sseruyima

Ass. Administrator – PRAU Secretariat

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) has successfully convened its landmark 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Hotel Africana, ushering in a new era of innovation, inclusivity, and professional excellence within Uganda’s public relations landscape.

A Historic Milestone Meets Digital Innovation

Celebrating five decades of advancing the PR profession, PRAU used this golden milestone to unveil a transformative initiative, the Digital Membership Identification (ID) system. This cutting-edge platform is set to redefine how members interact with the association by offering secure, convenient, and real-time access to membership credentials.

The digital IDs empower members to:

• Seamlessly verify their professional status
• Access exclusive association services and events
• Enhance participation in PRAU activities
• Experience a more efficient and user-friendly membership journey

This innovation reflects PRAU’s strategic shift toward digital transformation, ensuring the association remains relevant in an increasingly tech-driven global environment.

Leadership Appreciation and Vision for the Future

Speaking at the AGM, PRAU President Irene Nakasiita commended members for their unwavering commitment:

“I would like to sincerely thank all our members for supporting PRAU from time to time. Your dedication has enabled both past and current Governing Councils to effectively serve and implement initiatives that continue to champion PR excellence in Uganda.”

She emphasized that the introduction of digital membership IDs is not just a technological upgrade, but a strategic move to enhance value delivery, streamline operations, and align PRAU with global industry trends.

Reflecting on Impact, Shaping the Future

The AGM provided a comprehensive platform to review PRAU’s achievements over the past year, including:

• Capacity-building and professional development programs
• Strengthened industry partnerships
• Advocacy efforts to elevate PR standards in Uganda

 

Members actively engaged in forward-thinking discussions, exploring ways to position PRAU as a leading authority in communications and public relations both regionally and globally.

Strategic Priorities for the Next Chapter

Looking ahead, the Governing Council outlined key focus areas that will define PRAU’s next phase of growth:

• PRAU @ 50 celebrations to honor legacy and impact
• Expanding and diversifying membership
• Enhancing training and professional development opportunities
• Leveraging digital technologies for improved member services

These priorities reaffirm PRAU’s mission to advance ethical practice, professional excellence, and industry collaboration.

Member-Centric Innovation at the Core

The launch of the digital ID system was met with enthusiastic reception from members, particularly for its flexibility, accessibility, and inclusivity. Demonstrations during the AGM showcased how the platform accommodates diverse user needs, ensuring ease of use for all members regardless of technological familiarity.

A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Possibilities

As PRAU celebrates its 50th AGM, it stands as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and leadership in Uganda’s communications sector. The association’s continued commitment to embracing change while upholding its core values positions it as a driving force shaping the future of public relations.

The Golden Jubilee AGM not only reflects PRAU’s rich heritage but also signals a forward-looking vision anchored in excellence, integrity, and digital transformation, ensuring that the association remains relevant and impactful in an ever-evolving communications landscape.

By Roland Sseruyima,

Ass. Administrator – PRAU Secretariat.

As the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) marks 50 years of advancing the communications profession, this year’s National Students’ PR Symposium & Mentorship Graduation stood as a powerful reflection of both legacy and the promise of tomorrow.

Held on Friday, 13th February 2025 at Cavendish University Uganda, the event brought together industry leaders, mentors, academia, and aspiring communication professionals in a celebration of growth, purpose, and possibility. It was not just a graduation. It was a declaration that the future of public relations in Uganda is being intentionally shaped.

59 Mentees Graduate — Stepping Beyond Theory into Purpose

At the heart of the celebration were 59 graduates from Cohort Three of the PRAU Students’ Mentorship Programme, young professionals who chose to go beyond classroom theory and immerse themselves in practical, guided industry learning.

Their journey represents more than participation. It reflects initiative, curiosity, and commitment to excellence.

 

In her address, PRAU President Irene Nakasiita reminded the graduates that mentorship is not an event — it is a mindset:

“Our mentorship journey does not conclude today; it is a continuous process of learning and growth. We are delighted to support you, but your engagement and interest are essential.”

Her message was clear: opportunity demands responsibility. Growth in public relations requires discipline, integrity, and consistency.

As PRAU celebrates five decades of impact, these 59 graduates symbolize the next chapter of ethical, innovative, and purpose-driven communicators.

     

13 Mentors Appreciated — The Power of Voluntary Leadership

A defining highlight of the symposium was the appreciation of 13 mentors who voluntarily dedicated their time, expertise, and professional insight to shaping the cohort.

Their contribution embodies the true spirit of mentorship, influence, vision, and service.

One mentor captured it best:

“Public relations is not just about managing narratives; it is about building trust. And trust is built by professionals who understand both strategy and integrity.”

Through structured mentorship, PRAU continues to bridge the gap between academic preparation and industry expectations — ensuring that graduates are not only qualified, but ready.

A Call to Purpose-Driven Leadership

Delivering his remarks, Mr. Ronald Beinomugisha, Vice President PRAU, challenged the graduates to embrace mentorship as a lifelong responsibility:

“Mentorship embodies influence, vision, and service. Great mentors inspire belief, unveil unseen potential, and selflessly lift others.”

He encouraged the graduates to embrace the 5Ds of mentorship: Dream, Delay, Difficulties, Discipline, and Drive, reminding them that setbacks refine character and discipline defines professionalism.

His message resonated deeply: True motivation arises from vision, not applause.

Beyond Social Media: Building Sustainable Brands

In her keynote address, Ms. Comfort Ahumuza, Public Relations Coordinator – Harris International, urged students to think beyond trends and embrace long-term impact:

“Treat your reputation as invaluable currency; it will shape your career and influence how you are perceived.”

She challenged the graduates to integrate sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into their practice, reminding them that public relations today shapes economies, brands, policy, and community impact.

Her call was bold: Do not just participate in the industry, influence it.

Launching Cohort 4 — A New Chapter Begins

As one cohort graduated, another began.

The event also marked the official launch of Cohort Four of the PRAU Students’ Mentorship Programme, reinforcing PRAU’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of communication leaders.

This cycle of growth, graduating one class while welcoming another, reflects PRAU’s long-term investment in building a strong, ethical, and forward-thinking PR community in Uganda.

By Sella-Marion Athieno,

Secretary General at the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU)

In every industry, recognition plays a vital role in inspiring excellence, fueling innovation, and setting benchmarks for success. For the field of Public Relations (PR) and Communication, a profession built on influence, trust, and creativity, awards are not just a form of celebration; they are a strategic pillar for growth, credibility, and professional development.

The Power of Recognition in PR and Communication

Public Relations is an industry that often works behind the scenes, shaping narratives, building brands, managing crises, and cultivating trust between organizations and their audiences. Yet, much of this impact can go unnoticed without platforms that acknowledge and celebrate these efforts.

That’s where awards come in. Industry awards provide validation for the hard work, creativity, and strategy that communication professionals invest in their craft. They raise standards, foster healthy competition, and encourage professionals to keep innovating.

Awards also serve as an external endorsement of credibility. For agencies and practitioners, winning or even being nominated signals quality and excellence to clients, employers, and the broader public. They showcase the power of PR as a profession that drives business, social, and national development.

Spotlighting Excellence: The PRAU Excellence Awards

In Uganda, the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) has been at the forefront of recognizing and elevating the communication profession through the PRAU Excellence Awards, the industry’s most prestigious platform for celebrating outstanding achievement in PR and communication.

Over the years, the PRAU Excellence Awards have shone a spotlight on exceptional campaigns, practitioners, and organizations that have demonstrated creativity, impact, and integrity in communication. From innovative digital storytelling and brand repositioning initiatives to community engagement and crisis management, the awards have become a mirror reflecting the evolving standards of excellence within the industry.

Beyond trophies and accolades, these awards celebrate ideas that have made a difference, campaigns that changed perceptions, improved lives, and strengthened relationships between brands and the public. They are a testament to the transformative power of strategic communication in shaping Uganda’s narrative and driving socio-economic change.

Driving Innovation and Professional Growth

Awards have a multiplier effect. They don’t just recognize success; they inspire it.
By celebrating excellence, the PRAU Excellence Awards motivate practitioners to push boundaries, embrace new technologies, and tell stories that matter. They provide a platform for peer learning, networking, and benchmarking against global best practices.

For young professionals, the awards serve as an aspirational goal, a reminder that great work will always be seen and appreciated. For institutions, they reinforce the importance of investing in skilled communicators and sustainable public relations strategies.

Strengthening the Profession’s Reputation

The PRAU Excellence Awards also play a key role in strengthening the reputation and visibility of the PR industry. They help demystify the profession by showcasing tangible outcomes, how communication contributes to business growth, policy influence, and social transformation.

By highlighting excellence, the awards help build public trust in the profession, positioning PR not as a support function but as a strategic driver of reputation, engagement, and value creation.

A Call to Celebrate Our Own

As the communication landscape continues to evolve, the need to recognize and celebrate the people and ideas shaping the future of PR has never been greater. The PRAU Excellence Awards stand as a proud reminder that our stories, strategies, and innovations matter and that celebrating them strengthens the entire ecosystem.

In honoring excellence, we affirm our shared commitment to raising the bar for communication practice in Uganda and beyond.

So, as we look forward to the next edition of the PRAU Excellence Awards, let us continue to tell impactful stories, uphold ethical practice, and champion creativity because when we celebrate excellence, we inspire even greater achievement.