The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) will hold its Golden Jubilee Summit in Jinja from 20 to 23 October 2026, bringing together communication professionals, industry leaders and partners to reflect on five decades of practice and the future of the profession.
Announced on 8 October, the four-day summit will take place at the Source of the Nile Hotel and culminate in the 10th PRAU Excellence Awards on the evening of 23 October.
The summit will run under the theme, “Celebrating 50 Years of Professional Excellence; Shaping the Future of Public Relations.”
Founded on 22 May 1976, PRAU brings together public relations practitioners, communication specialists, brand managers and professionals in related disciplines across Uganda’s public and private sectors. The association says its work over the past five decades has focused on professional standards, capacity building, ethical practice and advocacy, including efforts towards statutory recognition of the profession.
PRAU President Irene Nakasiita said the anniversary is an opportunity to recognise the contribution of strategic communication while preparing practitioners for the challenges ahead.
“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,” Nakasiita said.
She added that the celebrations would honour the pioneers who laid the profession’s foundations and encourage the next generation to uphold integrity, innovation and excellence.
The programme will feature professional development sessions, knowledge sharing, networking and reflections on PRAU’s history. It will also recognise past leaders and pioneers, alongside discussions on the future of public relations in an increasingly digital and rapidly changing information environment.
Tina Wamala, PRAU’s immediate past president and chairperson of the Golden Jubilee Organising Committee, said the milestone should encourage practitioners to assess the profession’s progress and strengthen its foundations.
“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,” Wamala said.
Excellence awards to close the summit
The 10th PRAU Excellence Awards will be held under the theme, “A Legacy in Gold: Honouring the Cream of Public Relations.”
The awards will recognise individuals, campaigns and organisations whose work has contributed to the growth of public relations and strategic communication in Uganda.
Participation in the summit is open to PRAU members, non-members, students, international delegates and the wider communication community. Fees are Shs1.8 million for members, Shs2 million for non-members, Shs1 million for students and $550 for international delegates.
PRAU acknowledged support from partners and sponsors including Parliament of Uganda, Bank of Uganda, Pearl Bank, Uganda Revenue Authority, Deposit Protection Fund, Next Media, Crown Beverages Limited, Capital Markets Authority, Ipsos, Stanbic Bank, Uganda Baati, Uganda Red Cross Society and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation.
Other supporting organisations include 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 and SautiPlus.
