KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE)- The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) has unveiled its 50th-anniversary celebration roadmap, announcing a four-day Golden Jubilee Summit scheduled for October 20–23, 2026, at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja City.
The celebrations will climax with the 10th PRAU Excellence Awards on the evening of October 23.
Founded on May 22, 1976, PRAU is the umbrella body for public and private sector public relations practitioners, communication specialists, brand managers and professionals in related disciplines in Uganda. Over the past five decades, the association has championed the professionalisation of public relations, capacity building, ethical practice and advocacy, including efforts to secure statutory recognition for the profession.
The 50th-anniversary celebrations will be held under the theme, “Celebrating 50 Years of Professional Excellence; Shaping the Future of Public Relations.”
The four-day programme will bring together public relations practitioners, communication professionals, industry leaders, partners and other stakeholders to celebrate the profession’s journey, reflect on its contribution to Uganda’s development and explore its future in an increasingly digital and rapidly changing information environment.
The Golden Jubilee programme will feature professional development activities, knowledge-sharing sessions, networking opportunities, reflections on the association’s history and discussions on the future of the profession. It will also recognise past leaders and pioneers who have played a significant role in building and advancing public relations in Uganda.
PRAU President Irene Nakasiita said the milestone was both a celebration of the association’s journey and a call to action for the profession.
“Reaching 50 years is not just a celebration of our longevity as an association; it is recognition of the increasing value of strategic communication in building institutional credibility, strengthening stakeholder trust and supporting national development,” she said.
Nakasiita added that the Golden Jubilee provides an opportunity to celebrate the profession’s achievements while preparing for the future.
“Our 50th Anniversary is an opportunity to honour the pioneers who laid the foundation of public relations in Uganda, celebrate the practitioners who continue to elevate the profession, and inspire the next generation to carry it forward with integrity, innovation and excellence. As we celebrate this milestone, we must also look ahead and shape the future of public relations in Uganda,” she said.
PRAU Awards to Crown Celebrations
The four-day Golden Jubilee programme will climax with the 10th PRAU Excellence Awards on the evening of October 23, under the theme, “A Legacy in Gold: Honouring the Cream of Public Relations.”
The awards will recognise outstanding individuals, campaigns and organisations whose work has contributed to the growth and advancement of public relations and strategic communication in Uganda.
They will also celebrate excellence across the profession and honour practitioners and organisations that have made a significant impact on Uganda’s public relations landscape over the years.
Tina Wamala, the chairperson of the organising committee and PRAU’s immediate past president, emphasised the importance of collective ownership of the milestone.
“This Golden Jubilee is not simply an opportunity to look back at our achievements. It is an opportune moment to reflect on how we can further professionalise our industry, mentor the next generation of practitioners and continue shaping Uganda’s narrative with integrity,” she said.
Wamala added that the organising committee was working to deliver a programme that reflects the profession’s achievements while preparing practitioners for future challenges.
“As Chair of the Organising Committee, I am proud of the work the team has put in to deliver a four-day programme that reflects the excellence, resilience and impact of public relations in Uganda over the past half-century, while also looking ahead to what lies ahead for the profession,” she said.
The summit, running from October 20–23, will feature knowledge-sharing sessions, networking opportunities, reflections on PRAU’s 50-year journey, recognition of past leaders and the Excellence Awards ceremony.
Participation fees are Shs1.8 million for PRAU members, Shs2 million for non-members, Shs1 million for students and $550 for international delegates.
Nakasiita thanked the partners and sponsors whose support has contributed to the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
They include Parliament of Uganda, Bank of Uganda, Pearl Bank, Uganda Revenue Authority, Deposit Protection Fund (DPF), Next Media, Crown Beverages Limited, Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Ipsos, Guide2Uganda, CEO Magazine, CommsofAfrica, IdeahCentral, Galaxy FM, Epicom, The Independent Magazine, Business Times, Softpower, Action Imagery, Capital FM, New Vision, Affinity Media, UBC, Radio One, SautiPlus, Stanbic Bank, Uganda Baati, Uganda Red Cross Society and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC).
PRAU has invited its members, partners, sponsors, the wider communication community and other well-wishers to join the association in Jinja from October 20–23 as it celebrates five decades of professional excellence and looks ahead to the future of public relations in Uganda.
