KAMPALA, Uganda: Women working in public relations and other professional fields gathered on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Revive Wellness Spa in Kololo for the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) Women’s celebration, held a day ahead of International Women’s Day. The event, themed “The Full Woman: She’s Got It All,” brought together female professionals to reflect on their journeys, share experiences, and explore ways to balance demanding careers with personal life.
Organized by the Public Relations Association of Uganda, the gathering created a platform for women from different sectors to connect, learn from one another, and celebrate their impact in Uganda’s communication and corporate landscape.
Women Supporting Women in the PR Profession
Opening the event, PRAU President Irene Nakasiita encouraged women in communication and related professions to embrace the power of collaboration and mutual support.
She described the gathering as a “powerful and refreshing celebration” of women shaping Uganda’s PR industry.
“As women in communication, we hold immense influence in our workplaces, our homes, and across the public sphere. When we join efforts and support one another, we don’t just grow individually but elevate the entire profession,” Nakasiita said.
Nakasiita noted that the PR profession can be highly demanding, requiring practitioners to manage complex communication strategies, stakeholder relationships, and tight deadlines. For many women, these professional pressures are often combined with responsibilities at home, making peer support and mentorship especially important.
Leadership Through Empathy and Vision
A leadership panel moderated by Sumin Namaganda explored the topic “Why Women Make Great Leaders: Charismatic Leadership for Effective Teams.”
Panelists highlighted that women frequently face expectations to excel simultaneously in their careers, family lives, and community roles. However, they emphasized that building strong support systems can help women successfully navigate these multiple responsibilities.
Among the speakers was Olive Birungi Lumonya, who urged women leaders to rely on supportive communities while empowering others around them.
“Soft leadership is powerful leadership. When you lead with empathy and understanding, you create space for people to grow, thrive, and perform at their best,” Lumonya said, adding that empathy strengthens rather than weakens leadership.
Edna Torana emphasized the importance of purpose-driven leadership, noting that when teams understand the vision behind their work, they become more engaged and committed.
Similarly, Elizabeth Namaganda highlighted the role of shared values in creating meaningful workplaces.
“People don’t just work for jobs; they work for people. When you align with the people you work with and share the same values, the work becomes more meaningful,” she said.
Embracing Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
Beyond leadership and career development, the event also explored personal growth and well-being. During the Beauty Class session, Cerinah Tugume spoke about the importance of self-awareness and self-acceptance.
Tugume encouraged women to understand their strengths while recognizing areas for growth, emphasizing that accepting oneself does not mean settling for limitations.
“Self-acceptance means being at peace with who you are while understanding that growth is always possible,” she said. “It’s about saying ‘I am enough,’ while still striving to become a better version of yourself.”
She encouraged women to reflect on their weaknesses not as permanent barriers but as opportunities for improvement and empowerment.
Conversations on Relationships and Real-Life Experiences
Another panel led by Rosette Najjemba Ssegujja and Hannah Owot discussed preparing for marriage and maintaining authenticity in relationships.
Throughout the day, participants openly shared stories of both success and vulnerability. Younger practitioners spoke about navigating early career challenges, while seasoned professionals reflected on lessons learned over years of experience.
Wellness, Skills, and Personal Empowerment
In addition to discussions, the event included several interactive sessions designed to promote holistic well-being. These included a makeup session known as “Beauty Treat,” a Healthy Woman session focusing on reproductive health, hands-on first aid training, a “She Is Bold and Beautiful” session, and the Lion Queen meditation session.
The sessions were moderated by Lyn Tukei, Megan Katasi, and Sandra Akello.
A Celebration of Community and Empowerment
For many attendees, the PRAU Women’s Day event was more than a celebration—it was a reminder that professional success and personal fulfillment are strengthened by community.
Participants left inspired to continue breaking barriers in the communications industry while supporting one another in achieving balance across their careers, families, and personal growth.
The event was supported by partners including C-Care Uganda, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Unilever, Uganda Red Cross Society, Newman’s Foods Limited, and Pepsi, among others.
