Kampala, Uganda — The Government of Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the proposed Public Relations Bill, signaling strong support for the professionalization and regulation of the PR industry in the country.
The pledge was delivered by Hon. Esther Anyakun, Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development and Woman MP for Nakapiripirit, who represented Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament during the 4th National Public Relations Symposium held at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.
“I am pleased to learn that PRAU is formalizing its legal status through a proposed Bill. This is a commendable initiative, and I pledge my full support in pushing it forward,” she stated. “A well-regulated communications profession will uphold ethical standards and enhance accountability. As the Government of Uganda, we look forward to deepening collaboration with the PR fraternity to promote transparency, civic engagement, and responsible leadership.”
Uder the theme “From Strategy to the C-Suite: Elevating PR to the Boardroom,” the symposium brought together a diverse group of stakeholders — including PR and corporate communication professionals, CEOs, board members, government communication officers, marketing executives, public affairs specialists, and students — to reimagine the evolving role of public relations in Uganda’s leadership and governance frameworks.
The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), which boasts over 500 registered members, organized the symposium as a flagship event aimed at championing the inclusion of PR professionals in executive leadership and decision-making spaces. The event served as a platform to:
- Advocate for strategic communication as a core pillar in governance, business continuity, and reputation management;
- Equip practitioners with tools and insights for leadership;
- Highlight PR professionals who have risen to board and executive roles;
- Create mentorship and networking opportunities for emerging leaders.
Keynote speaker Odrek Rwabwogo, Senior Special Advisor to the President and Chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), reflected on the importance of lived experience and strategic communication in leadership.
“In May 1998, I questioned a lecturer’s qualifications, only to discover her humble office managed the biggest PR accounts in Kampala. That experience taught me that credentials alone don’t define leadership — purpose, passion, and resilience do,” he remarked. “Today, we witness a vibrant industry, locally driven by Ugandan professionals. This growth is inspiring.”
PRAU President Irene Nakasiita described the symposium as a defining moment for the profession:
“This is more than an event — it’s a movement to position PR as a strategic function integral to leadership, governance, and organizational resilience,” she said.
Panel Discussions Covered:
- Becoming Board-Ready: What Every PR Professional Must Know
- Personal Branding for PR Professionals: Positioning for Leadership
- CEO Mindset: Leading with Communication at the Core
- PR Leaders Who Made It to the Top
- Crisis-Proofing the Boardroom: Perception, Misinformation & Trust
- Effective Advocacy, Stakeholder Relations, and Public Policy Influencing
With a rapidly evolving communications landscape — shaped by real-time digital engagement, misinformation, and increased stakeholder expectations — the need for PR leadership in boardrooms is increasingly vital. The symposium provided a unique space for practitioners to share knowledge, network, and build a more influential community of communicators.
Sponsors and Partners
The success of the symposium was made possible by a wide range of sponsors and partners, including:
Bank of Uganda, Deposit Protection Fund of Uganda, QVibes Media, Microfinance Support Centre, Uganda Development Corporation, Uganda National Oil Company, Capital Markets Authority, National Water & Sewerage Corporation, Kampala Capital City Authority, NRG Radio, Affinity Media, Nation Media Group, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Uganda Breweries Limited, Crown Beverages Ltd, Design Series & Supplies Limited, Newmans Foods, Vision Group, Galaxy FM, CEO East Africa Magazine, SoftPower News, PML Daily, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, Iverse Digital, Uganda Communications Commission, and the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation.
