Celebrating Excellence in Public Relations: The 2024 PRAU Excellence Awards

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) is thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated PRAU Excellence Awards 2024 will take place on Friday, November 29th at the prestigious Protea Hotel – Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala. This annual event, which has become a hallmark of the PR calendar, will recognize and celebrate the finest achievements in public relations and communications across the country.

Why Attend?

The PRAU Excellence Awards offer a unique opportunity for PR professionals, agencies, and organizations to showcase their best work and network with top industry leaders. This year’s event promises to be bigger and more exciting, with categories spanning across individual achievements, corporate excellence and outstanding campaigns.

Whether you’re an individual attendee, a corporate team, or even a non-member interested in Uganda’s vibrant PR industry, this is the event you don’t want to miss!

How to Book Your Slot

Seats for this prestigious event are limited, so act fast to secure your spot. Contact the PRAU Secretariat via +256705367213 / +256 781 465060 or email at prauganda@yahoo.com today to book your slot and be part of an evening that honors creativity, innovation, and leadership in public relations.

Join us as we celebrate the brightest stars of Uganda’s PR world and elevate the standards of public relations in the region.

Navigating the Job Market: Strategies for success in a competitive world

Are you ready to chart a course towards career success in today’s competitive job market? Join us for
the inaugural session of ‘The Career Navigator’ webinar series, presented by PRAU in partnership with
BrighterMonday Uganda.

In this engaging session, our esteemed panel of speakers will share valuable insights, strategies, and
firsthand experiences to help you thrive in today’s ever-evolving job market.

Speaker Profiles

Emmanuel Njuki: Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs, Nile Breweries

Emmanuel Njuki currently serves as the Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Nile Breweries, where he oversees a diverse range of responsibilities encompassing corporate affairs, communications, marketing, and shared value investment. With an illustrious career spanning over 18 years, Emmanuel brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his role.

Throughout his career, Emmanuel has demonstrated a proven track record in the creation and execution
of stakeholder relations strategies across various sectors, including fast-moving consumer goods,
utilities, and financial services. His adeptness in building and nurturing relationships has been
instrumental in driving organizational success and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.

Prior to his current role, Emmanuel held key positions in journalism, public relations consultancy, and marketing. He served as a journalist at Daily Monitor, honing his skills in media relations and communication. Subsequently, he transitioned into the realm of public relations consultancy at Fireworks Advertising, where he provided strategic guidance to clients across diverse industries.

Emmanuel’s journey also includes a stint as the Head of Marketing at Orient Bank (now I&M Bank),
where he spearheaded marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility and drive customer engagement.
Additionally, he played a pivotal role in navigating stakeholder engagement during Eskom Uganda’s end
of concession period, showcasing his adeptness in managing complex stakeholder dynamics.

Emmanuel holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi,
further augmenting his business acumen and leadership capabilities. He also possesses a diploma from
the Chartered Institute of Marketing, underscoring his commitment to continuous professional
development. Emmanuel’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from
Makerere University, providing him with a holistic understanding of societal dynamics and human
behavior.

With his extensive experience, strategic vision, and dedication to excellence, Emmanuel Njuki continues
to make significant contributions to the success and growth of Nile Breweries, while also leaving an
indelible mark on the corporate landscape in Uganda.

Speaker 2

Sooma Mukyala Fouziya: PR Manager, Huawei Technologies Uganda

Sooma Mukyala Fouziya, PR Manager at Huawei Technologies Uganda, is a self-motivated and dynamic
professional with a diverse cultural background, stemming from her Chinese and Ugandan descent. With
extensive legal experience spanning various countries, Sooma has actively participated in negotiations
involving diverse delegations. Her roles have encompassed providing secretarial services, translation,
and legal advisory support for international delegations during governmental meetings.

Sooma’s strong communication and interpersonal skills, coupled with her multilingual abilities, have
facilitated effective engagement with officials from different African and Asian countries, predominantly
the People’s Republic of China. Additionally, she has successfully engaged with stakeholders from
various European countries at high-level meetings.

Meticulous attention to detail characterizes Sooma’s work ethic, evidenced by her track record of creating, planning, and executing public relations strategies to enhance company image among internal
and external stakeholders. Her effective public relations efforts have led to significant improvements in profit and financial results for the companies she has worked with.

Sooma’s rich experience in both legal and public relations realms has equipped her with the capabilities
to navigate complex issues within global entities. Her expertise encompasses effective communication,
risk management, and compliance, enabling her to address multifaceted challenges with adeptness and
finesse.

Speaker 3

Vivian Akibaho

Vivian has wide experience in the recruitment sector ranging from FMCG, IT & Telecoms, Banking Finance & Insurance, Transport & Logistics, and Retail. She has an extensive wealth of experience in talent acquisition and overseeing the entire recruitment process in the organization to ensure quality delivery of service having filled several senior and executive roles.

For more than 2 years, she has led the recruitment team at BrighterMonday Uganda and managed to scale its operations, and streamline its processes while establishing strong client relationships built on stellar role delivery and service.

BrighterMonday-PRAU-Partnership-1

BrighterMonday Uganda Announces Strategic Partnership with Public Relations Association of Uganda to Expand Job Market Opportunities & Collaborations.

Caption: (L-R) Athieno Stella – PR Director PRAU, Gladys Rwabuhemba- PR Lead, & Arnold Akampulira – Marketing Manager at BrighterMonday with President Tina Wamala, Roland Sseruyima – Secretariat, and Vice President Paul Mwirigi PRAU during the MOU signing at BrighterMonday Offices this morning.

BrighterMonday Uganda, the leading talent & recruitment company, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU). This collaboration aims to foster mutual growth, enhance public relations practices, and contribute to the overall development of the employment sector in Uganda.
Through this strategic partnership, BrighterMonday Uganda and PRAU will collaborate on various initiatives to promote employment opportunities, facilitate networking opportunities, and share valuable resources with job seekers and employers. This collaboration will include joint events, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions, all aimed at empowering individuals in their job search and enhancing the overall recruitment process.
As a prominent player in the job market, BrighterMonday Uganda has been dedicated to connecting job seekers with prospective employers, facilitating career growth, and driving economic development in Uganda. With this partnership, BrighterMonday Uganda seeks to leverage the expertise and network of the Public Relations Association of Uganda to further elevate its position as a trusted source for employment solutions.

Arnold Akampulira, Marketing Manager at BrighterMonday Uganda, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to align our efforts with the Public Relations Association of Uganda. This collaboration presents an exciting opportunity to synergize our strengths and promote the growth of the job market in Uganda. By combining our resources and expertise, we aim to provide even greater value to job seekers and employers alike.”

Caption: (L-R) Arnold Akampulira – Marketing Manager at BrighterMonday with President Tina Wamala, and Vice President Paul Mwirigi PRAU during the MOU signing at BrighterMonday Offices this morning.

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) is a professional body that represents public relations practitioners in Uganda. PRAU plays a vital role in promoting the highest standards of public relations practice, offering professional development opportunities, and facilitating knowledge sharing among its members. By joining forces with PRAU, BrighterMonday Uganda aims to benefit from their wealth of experience and industry insights, ensuring that their communication efforts are aligned with best practices and industry standards.

Through this strategic partnership, BrighterMonday Uganda and PRAU will collaborate on various initiatives to promote employment opportunities, facilitate networking opportunities, and share valuable resources with job seekers and employers. This collaboration will include joint events, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions, all aimed at empowering individuals in their job search and enhancing the overall recruitment process.

Tina Wamala, President of the Public Relations Association of Uganda, added, “We are delighted to work hand-in-hand with BrighterMonday Uganda, a leader in the employment sector. This partnership will enable us to create a positive impact on job seekers and employers through improved communication strategies, networking opportunities, and knowledge exchange. Together, we can empower individuals to achieve their career goals and contribute to Uganda’s economic development.”

Both organizations are eager to begin this collaboration and are confident that their joint efforts will strengthen the employment landscape in Uganda, foster professional growth, and drive positive change within the job market.

About PRAU;

PRAU was founded in 1976 as a membership-based professional body of Public Relations (PR) practitioners in Uganda. The association is affiliated to regional and global bodies such as the East African Public Relations Association (EAPRA), the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and the International Public Relations Association (IPRA).

PRAU’s mission is “To nurture and advance PR excellence through training, mentorship, and enforcement of a professional code of conduct.” while it’s vision is to create “A community of Public Relations practitioners that uphold the highest standards of professional practice in Uganda”

For more information please visit www.prau.ug

About BrighterMonday Uganda;

BrighterMonday Uganda was established in 2014 and has grown to become Uganda’s leading recruitment and HR services platform. We have numerous candidates and employers, successfully using the platform to get access to the right opportunities.

At BrighterMonday Uganda, we fully understand the Ugandan market and have developed a portfolio of relevant and value-adding products that make recruitment simple, quick and effective. We ensure that we find the perfect match for our users. For more information visit: https://www.brightermonday.co.ug

Ends.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

Gladys Rwabuhemba
PR Lead, BrighterMonday Uganda
Email: gladysr@brightermonday.co.ug

Athieno Stella Marion
PR Director, PRAU
Email: athienostella5@gmail.com

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) Unveils the #EAPRW2023 Summit to Advance PR Excellence and East African Unity

Kampala, Uganda – 27.10.2023 – The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), in partnership with esteemed industry collaborators, proudly announced the launch of the eagerly awaited East Africa Public Relations Week (#EAPRW2023) Summit. The announcement was made during a press conference hosted by the Nation Media Group, heralding a monumental gathering of over 300 seasoned professionals from across the African continent.

Set to take place at the scenic Jinja Nile Resort, the #EAPRW2023 Summit will serve as an influential platform for dynamic discourse surrounding the most pressing issues shaping the global and regional PR landscape. With an agenda that spans a diverse array of topics, including AI, East African integration, content creation, crisis management, sustainability, and digitalization, the event promises to foster an environment of knowledge exchange and progressive thought leadership.

The guest of honour is slated to be Vice President of Uganda Hon. Jessica Alup and Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, EAC Minister will give the key note address. The conference will also be graced by Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance for Uganda, Hon. Eliud Owalo, Cabinet Secretary of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy for Kenya and Hon. Nape Moses Nnauye, the Minister of ICT from Tanzania.

During a press briefing, Ms. Tina Wamala, President of PRAU, emphasized the significance of addressing the industry’s emerging challenges. She stated, “The summit will provide an unprecedented opportunity for ministers and industry leaders to recognize the pivotal role of PR in supporting the integration of the East African Community. Our theme, ‘Advancing PR Excellence for East African Unity,’ underscores our commitment to leveraging the power of communication to bolster the EAC’s cohesive development.”

Anticipated attendees from countries such as Nigeria, Zambia, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, and other nations will foster an environment of rich cross-cultural collaboration and mutual knowledge sharing.

The week-long summit will culminate in the highly anticipated PRAU Excellence Awards, where outstanding contributions to the field of PR will be recognized and celebrated.

Ms. Wamala concluded by stating, “We eagerly await the participation of industry peers at this esteemed event. Let us harness this unique opportunity to garner fresh insights, cultivate inspiration, and fortify our shared commitment to elevating the standards of our vibrant profession. Together, we can collectively shape the future of PR within the region and beyond.”

Expected Outcomes of the #EAPRW2023 Summit include empowering attendees with invaluable insights and skills for professional growth, fostering stronger networks and relationships among PR professionals across the East African region, exploring cutting-edge PR trends and their applicability within the regional context, reinforcing a steadfast commitment to upholding ethical PR practices in the face of modern information challenges, cultivating a heightened awareness of the critical role played by PR in advancing East African unity, and honoring exceptional PR achievements through the esteemed PRAU Excellence Awards.

The partners of the conference include Uganda Communications Commission, Bank of Uganda, Deposit Protection Fund Uganda, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Stanbic Bank Uganda, Nile Breweries, Uganda Airlines, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Red Cross Society, Nation Media Group and Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority.

The Prau Excellence Awards Are Back!

PART A: About the PRAU Excellence Awards

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) Excellence Awards are back!

Our annual event that recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements and contributions in the field of public relations and communication in Uganda which has been on a hiatus since 2016 is now back!

As a professional association that brings together PR and communication practitioners in Uganda, the PRAU Excellence Awards aims to promote best practices, provide professional development opportunities, and elevate the standards of the public relations industry in the country.

The PRAU Excellence Awards are a platform for recognizing individuals, organizations, campaigns, and initiatives that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and effectiveness in the field of public relations and communication.

These awards not only showcase the achievements of PR professionals and organizations but also serve as a platform to inspire and encourage the continued growth and development of the public relations industry in Uganda.

PART B: Theme & Dates Of The Awards

In line with the PRAU National PR Symposium, the theme of the 2022 / 2023 PRAU Excellence Awards is “The Role of Public Relations in Driving Organisational Performance”. This year’s awards will be the 7th Edition of the awards since their inception.

The awards will therefore enable PRAU as an organisation to highlight the role of the PR Practitioners in impacting organizational change and driving performance as well as recognizing exceptional work that has gone towards supporting this impact.

The awards will be handed out during a night of celebration on Friday 10th November, 2023 at the culmination of the East African Public Relations Week that will be held from 6th to 10th November 2023 at the Jinja Nile Resort.

PART C: Period Of Evaluation

PR work and campaigns executed between the period 1st January 2022 and 31st September 2023 will ONLY be accepted as part of the award entries by the Judges.

The reason for this date is due to the COVID-19 period 2020 – 2021 that negatively affected public relations activities; this inevitably saw communicators halt their work as their organisations and the world alike went into a quiet period with communication being focused on pandemic and humanitarian-related work.

The period 1st January 2022 to 31st September 2023, therefore, serves as the period in which public relations activities recovered following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PART D: Award Categories, Timelines & Entry Fees

The following are the award categories and entry fees:

S/NAwardSummaryEntry Fees
1.Young Communicator of the YearCelebrating young professionals making significant contributions to the industry.UGX. 200,000
2.Best Media Relations & Media Management CampaignCelebrating successful media relations efforts and campaignsUGX. 500,000
3.Best Event or Experiential CampaignRecognizing outstanding event planning and execution.UGX. 500,000
4.Best Internal Communication CampaignFocusing on effective communication within organizations.UGX. 500,000
5.Best Crisis Communication ManagementHighlighting effective crisis communication strategies and responses.UGX. 500,000
6.Best CSR and Sustainability CampaignAcknowledging campaigns that promote corporate social responsibility and sustainability.UGX. 500,000
7.Best ESG ReportAcknowledging Environmental, Sustainability and Governance Reports that speak more towards actual results than activities undertaken by various organisationsUGX. 500,000
8.Best Public Affairs CampaignRecognizing campaigns that address public policy and government affairs.UGX. 500,000
9.Best Corporate Communication CampaignRecognizing successful corporate communication strategies and campaigns.UGX. 500,000
10.Best Not For Profit CampaignRecognizing successful communication strategies and campaigns employed by NGOs and CSOsUGX. 500,000
11.Best Corporate / Online PublicationAcknowledging innovative and impactful printed or online publications used in the field of communication.UGX. 500,000
12.Best Social / Digital Communication CampaignAcknowledging innovative and impactful digital communication initiatives.UGX. 500,000
13.Best PR AgencyHonoring PR Agencies that advance the role and practice of PRUGX. 1,000,000
14.Best Overall PR CampaignAcknowledging the best and exceptional PR campaigns that impacted positively on an organisations brand and its reputationUGX. 1,000,000
15.Lifetime Achievement AwardHonoring individuals with a long-standing impact on the field of PRSelected by the Governing Council

Timelines: Entries into the 2022 / 2023 PRAU Excellence Awards will open at 12 am on Friday 18th August and close at midnight on 31st September 2023. An entry portal will be shared through which all submissions will be made.

PART E: Judging Criteria

All the competitive entries will be evaluated based on their competence in the following areas;

  1. Background & Statement of the problem
  2. Research & Planning
  3. Execution & Implementation
  4. Monitoring, Evaluation & Results
  5. Creativity & Innovation

Detailed judging criteria will be shared on the Awards Entry Portal.

PART F: Judges Panel

An eminent Judging Panel made up of the most experienced, respected and exposed PR Professionals from East & Central Africa will be unveiled after the submission of the award entries.

PART G: Eligibility

Submission of the PRAU Excellence Awards is open to the following:

  1. Government Ministries, Departments & Agencies
  2. Private/ Public Institutions
  3. NGOs & CSOs
  4. PR Agencies & Consultancies
  5. In-House PR Departments
  6. Individual Practitioners & Consultants
  7. Business enterprises (Large, Medium, and Small)
  8. Professional / Organised Associations
  9. Students pursuing PR Related courses

PART H: Special Categories

1.) Young communicator of the year award

Submission procedure:
Age Eligibility: 20 – 29yrs

  • Introduce yourself and what makes you believe you deserve to take this award? (what makes you unique or outstanding as a young PR/communicator of the year?)
  • submit a summary or biography of yourself and experiences as a PR in these times. (describe any challenges and how you have overcome them as a communicator/PR).

Judging criteria:
Judges will welcome creativity as submit a PDF file with a word count of 1000 words.

Recipient must demonstrate outstanding skills of a young communicator (creativity, leadership, authenticity).
Communication skills, passion and commitment: exception oral and written communication skills. We could consider public speaking, digital communication story telling etc.

Impactful content: has their communication contributed significantly to their work environment, community, cause, profession etc.
Innovation and adaptability: use of communication innovatively e.g use of socials or new technology even traditional channels in an innovative way, demonstrating adaptability.

Leadership and influence: check nominee’s leadership and influence within their sphere of operation. Do they inspire others, are they role models?

Other achievements and recognition: taking into account other awards the individual has ever received in relation to contribution in the sector provides for external validation/endorsement

Consistency is important, judges are not just considering one offs but performance over time.

2.) PR Agency of the year Award

Submission procedures:

  • Submit a maximum of a 2 page summary of the accomplishments and qualifications of agency, which addresses the judging criteria. (What makes your agency believe that it qualifies for this award?)
  • Any Unique project that was solved for a client and it’s impacts.
  • At least 1 letter supporting this submission. This letter should come from people or other entities that have knowledge of and involvement of these extraordinary accomplishments or contributions.
  • Number of Employees.
  • Number of Clients
  • Annual report considerations (if any)

Judging criteria:
In a given year, recipient must have demonstrated outstanding leadership/management skills etc in a project or program that was challenging and or difficult in nature. Demonstrate the impact and outcomes of the project or program.

Judges welcome creativity as you submit a PDF file with a word count of 1500 words.

NB: Please note that the awards are open to Members of the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU). Non-members will only be allowed to take part AFTER fulfilling the requisite membership requirements of the association.