Category Archives: News

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.

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) has reasserted its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, fostering communication excellence, and advancing trust between governments and citizens across East Africa. This affirmation was delivered by PRAU Vice President Mr. Ronald Beinomugisha Katungi during the East Africa Public Relations Week held in Arusha.

Speaking on behalf of PRAU President Ms. Irene Nakasiita, who conveyed her warm greetings and apologies for her absence due to unavoidable commitments, Mr. Beinomugisha emphasized the significance of the regional convergence of communication professionals.

“We gather here not merely for a conference, but for a moment of regional significance, a moment where East Africa reflects, reconnects, and reimagines its future,” he noted.

The PRAU delegation received special recognition during the event, affirming Uganda’s active role in shaping communication excellence in the region.

Addressing the conference theme, “Strengthening Trust Between Governments and Citizens,” the PRAU Vice President highlighted trust as a cornerstone of development, governance, and national cohesion.

Drawing from over seven years of leadership experience spanning public relations, academia, and management, he underscored a simple yet powerful truth:

“Where trust thrives, development accelerates. Where trust breaks, nations struggle.”

He urged governments across East Africa to integrate communication as a strategic pillar of national development, rather than an auxiliary function, noting that credible communication is a public good essential for stability, progress, and good governance.

In a deeply reflective moment, Mr. Beinomugisha invoked the Scriptural story in Acts 1 and 2, illustrating how unity and alignment among the Apostles preceded transformation and influence.

“Today, East Africa is in its own Upper Room,” he stated. “We are gathered with one aspiration: to build a region anchored on trust, truth, and transparency.”

He called upon communication leaders across the region to embrace a shared purpose that will elevate the profession and enhance regional integration.

Representing PRAU and its leadership, Mr. Beinomugisha outlined three key commitments that will guide Uganda’s contribution to regional communication advancement:

1. Upholding Ethical and Credible Communication
   PRAU reaffirmed its dedication to promoting transparency, integrity, and national interest across all communication platforms.

2. Strengthening Professional Capacity
   The Association pledged to continue upgrading practitioners’ skills in areas such as digital communication, crisis management, and strategic communication.

3. Deepening Regional Cooperation
   PRAU is committed to advancing alignment among East African PR associations to ensure the region communicates as a unified bloc with a shared identity.

As East Africa undergoes rapid political, social, and economic transformation, Mr. Beinomugisha urged communication professionals to step into a more strategic leadership role.

“Public relations must rise beyond routine; it must become a strategic instrument of integration, a pillar of democracy, and a driver of socioeconomic transformation.”

He called for a renewed vision of East Africa in which communication empowers citizens, reinforces accountability, and builds an enduring legacy of trust.

In his closing remarks, the PRAU Vice President extended PRAU’s solidarity to the East African Community (EAC), the East Africa Public Relations Association (EAPRA), and all practitioners contributing to the continent’s transformation.

“Together, let us walk into a future defined not by the challenges of yesterday, but by the promise of tomorrow. Let’s stand up to stand out, not to shrink to fit in.”

He concluded with a message of unity and hope:

“Asante sana. May God bless East Africa.”

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) has officially announced that the 9th edition of the PRAU Excellence Awards will take place on Thursday, 4th December 2025, at Protea Hotel, Upper Kololo Terrace, starting at 5:00 p.m. This year’s awards will run under the theme: “Recognising Innovation and Impact in Public Relations.”

The PRAU Excellence Awards were established to honour outstanding achievements in Uganda’s Public Relations and Communications landscape. The annual event celebrates individuals, agencies, organizations, and campaigns that consistently demonstrate strategic thinking, creativity, impact, and excellence in PR practice.

Championing Professional Excellence in PR

Speaking at the official announcement, PRAU President Irene Nakasiita emphasized the significance of the awards in elevating PR standards and amplifying the contribution of communication professionals to organizational and national development.

“The PRAU Awards are implemented under our five-year strategic plan, which is guided by two main objectives: contributing to the professionalism and regulation of PR practices in Uganda through high ethical and professional standards, and enhancing the value proposition for PRAU members,” Nakasiita said.

She added that the awards offer an essential platform for showcasing how effective public relations contributes to growth, sustainability, and stakeholder trust.

“Through the PRAU Excellence Awards, we demonstrate the impact and contribution of PR to organizational and national growth. We appreciate all our partners who have supported us along this journey.”

Nakasiita encouraged PR professionals, agencies, students, and corporate organizations to purchase tickets and join the celebration, highlighting that this year’s winners will represent some of the most innovative and impactful PR work in Uganda.

Ticket Information

• PRAU Members: Ushs 250,000

• Non-Members: Ushs 300,000

• Students: Ushs 100,000 (both members and non-members)

• Corporate Table (10 pax): Ushs 3,000,000

Award Categories for 2025

The 9th PRAU Excellence Awards will feature 13 competitive categories, including:

1. Best Media Relations & Media Management

2. Best Event/Experiential Campaign

3. Best Internal Communication/Employee Engagement Campaign

4. Best Crisis Communication

5. Best CSR & Sustainability (Merged with ESG Reporting)

6. Best Public Affairs Campaign

7. Best Corporate Communication

8. Best Not-for-Profit Campaign

9. Best Corporate/Online Publication

10. Best Social/Digital Communication

11. Best PR Agency

12. Best Overall PR Campaign

13. Lifetime Achievement Award

Judges will focus on campaigns that demonstrate creativity, originality, innovation, strategic execution, stakeholder engagement, and measurable impact.

Event Partners and Sponsors

The PRAU Excellence Awards 2025 are proudly sponsored by: Bank of Uganda, NBS TV, AfroMobile & NextCom, PwC, UBC, Affinity Media, UNOC, Crown Beverages, MTN Uganda, UEDCL, Galaxy FM & TV, CEO Magazine, Softpower Communications, Guide2Uganda Ltd, The Independent Magazine, and PML Daily.

About PRAU

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) is the umbrella body for Public Relations and Communications practitioners across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Founded in 1976, PRAU promotes professionalism, capacity building, ethical conduct, and excellence in PR practice. The association is affiliated with regional and global professional bodies including:

• East African Public Relations Association (EAPRA)

• African Public Relations Association (APRA)

• International Public Relations Association (IPRA)

By Roland Sseruyima,

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), represented by President Irene Nakasiita and the Secretariat team (Roland Sseruyima and Fiona Namugere) proudly awarded Mr. Alinda Thomas Lumari as the Outstanding Public Relations Student for the year 2025 during the 31st Graduation Ceremony of Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, under the Department of Journalism and Communication.

This prestigious recognition celebrates excellence, dedication, and academic distinction among emerging communication professionals. Mr. Lumari’s remarkable performance, leadership, and commitment to the principles of ethical and strategic communication earned him this year’s accolade.

Beyond the award, Mr. Lumari will receive mentorship from senior PRAU members, a one-year membership to the Association, and the opportunity to participate in the upcoming 9th PRAU Excellence Awards, Uganda’s premier platform celebrating outstanding PR practice and innovation.

Ms. Irene Nakasiita, PRAU President, congratulated Mr. Lumari for his exemplary achievement and encouraged all communication students to embrace professionalism and continuous learning.

“PRAU remains committed to nurturing young communicators who will drive the future of Uganda’s public relations industry with integrity, creativity, and purpose,” she noted.

The Association continues to strengthen partnerships with academic institutions to identify, mentor, and empower promising communication talent, ensuring a vibrant and professional PR community in Uganda.

#AdvancingPRExcellence #PRAUExcellenceAwards2025 #PRAUPartnerships

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) was proudly represented by its President, Ms. Irene Nakasiita, at the official launch of the Uganda Microfinance Support Centre’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026–2029/2030, a transformative roadmap aimed at accelerating financial inclusion and sustainable development across the country.

The high-profile event, presided over by the Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, convened distinguished leaders and stakeholders from Uganda’s financial ecosystem, all united by a shared vision to empower communities through access to affordable credit and grant financing.

The newly unveiled strategic plan sets forth an ambitious agenda to redefine Uganda’s microfinance landscape, with key highlights including:

✅ Creation of 1.2 million jobs across the country
✅ Extension of tailored financial services to over 9,000 clients
✅ Growth and strengthening of 2,824 Emyooga SACCOs to empower grassroots entrepreneurship
✅ Impacting over 8 million Ugandans through inclusive finance and empowerment initiatives

Speaking at the sidelines of the event, PRAU President Irene Nakasiita commended the Uganda Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) for its visionary approach and reaffirmed PRAU’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote communication for development and strategic partnerships that drive social and economic progress.

“As communication professionals, we celebrate institutions like MSC that are intentional about impact. This strategic plan demonstrates the power of purpose-driven communication in shaping Uganda’s development narrative,” she noted.

The Public Relations Association of Uganda applauds MSC for championing transformative financial inclusion and looks forward to amplifying stories of progress, empowerment, and resilience as this bold vision takes shape.

Together, we continue to build trust, drive transformation, and tell Uganda’s success stories.

#PRAU #FinancialInclusion #StrategicCommunication #MSCStrategicPlan #CommunicationForDevelopment