The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) recently held its 9th Excellence Awards, celebrating the nation’s most innovative communicators and organizations. The glamorous event, hosted at Protea Hotel on December 4, 2025, brought together industry leaders, government officials, corporate executives, and media professionals for a night dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievement in public relations. The ceremony, themed “Recognizing Innovation and Impact in Public Relations,” highlighted the transformative power of strategic communication in shaping Uganda’s narrative.
The awards night welcomed the South African High Commissioner to Uganda, Solly Mollo, as the chief guest. Mollo commended the winners for their remarkable accomplishments and lauded PRAU for fostering a culture of excellence. He suggested strengthening collaborations between Uganda and South Africa to further promote both nations’ visibility through impactful public relations initiatives.
PRAU President Irene Nakasiita spoke passionately about the significance of the awards. She explained that the event was created not only to celebrate success but also to honor innovators pushing the boundaries of the profession. Nakasiita noted that strategic communication is key to building trust, driving development, and inspiring societal transformation across Uganda.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Sarah Kagingo. Recognized for her decades-long dedication to public relations, Kagingo’s contributions have influenced generations of communicators and established new standards of professionalism and creativity in Uganda’s PR landscape.
The ceremony also celebrated corporate and organizational excellence, acknowledging the role of sponsors in strengthening the country’s communication ecosystem. Among the notable supporters were Bank of Uganda, MTN Uganda, UEDCL, NBS TV, and PwC, whose partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in promoting innovation and professional growth across sectors.
A total of 13 winners were recognized across diverse categories, highlighting both individual and organizational achievements. Gaaba Lakel Maria was named Young Communicator of the Year, UEDCL earned accolades for Best Media Relations and Media Management Campaign, MultiChoice Uganda won Best Event/Experiential Campaign, while Serene Beauty triumphed in both Best Overall PR Campaign and Best Social/Digital Communication Campaign.
Veteran PR expert John Kihi personally handed over the Young Communicator of the Year award, symbolizing mentorship and the transfer of knowledge between generations. The awards further acknowledged excellence in crisis communication, corporate communication, public affairs, internal communications, and CSR campaigns, demonstrating the breadth and influence of public relations in Uganda today.
PRAU concluded the evening by congratulating all winners, finalists, and participants, emphasizing the association’s commitment to fostering creativity, ethical standards, and innovation. The 9th Excellence Awards reaffirmed the vital role of public relations in shaping Uganda’s narrative and inspiring communicators to continue elevating the profession with integrity and vision.
