The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the proposed Public Relations Bill, which seeks to formalize and regulate the communications profession in Uganda.
Speaking at the fourth National Public Relations Symposium organized by the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), the Minister of State for Labour, Esther Anyakun—representing the Speaker of Parliament—pledged full government support for the legislative process.
“I am pleased to learn that PRAU is in the process of formalizing its legal status through a proposed Bill. This is a commendable move, and I pledge my support in advancing this agenda. A well-regulated communications profession will uphold high standards, enforce ethical codes, and ensure accountability in how we communicate as a country,” said Hon. Anyakun.
“As Government of Uganda, we look forward to working more closely with the PR profession to enhance transparency, civic engagement, and responsible leadership. Let this symposium serve as a launchpad for greater collaboration between communicators and policymakers across all sectors,” she added.
Held under the theme “From Strategy to the C-Suite: Elevating PR to the Boardroom,” the symposium brought together public relations and corporate communication professionals, CEOs, board members, government communicators, marketing executives, public affairs officers, and PR students. It aimed to reimagine the role of PR in Uganda’s leadership and governance structures.
The gathering focused on advocating for the inclusion of communication professionals in executive leadership and boardrooms. Discussions centered around the strategic value of communication in driving governance, business continuity, and organizational reputation.
Participants were equipped with tools and insights needed to transition into leadership roles, and the event also celebrated success stories of PR practitioners who have risen to senior executive and board-level positions. Mentorship and networking opportunities were created for emerging communication leaders.
In his keynote address titled “Redefining Leadership Through Strategic Communication,” Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), reflected on his journey through the communications field.
“In 1998, I questioned the qualifications of a lecturer who only held a diploma, yet ran the biggest PR accounts in town. Her experience and passion taught me that credentials alone don’t shape industry leaders—resilience and purpose do,” Rwabwogo said. “Today, 27 years later, this room is filled with Ugandan professionals in a vibrant, growing industry.”
PRAU President Irene Nakasiita hailed the symposium as a turning point for the profession.
“This symposium is a defining moment. It’s not just about media or messaging—it’s about asserting the value of public relations in strategy, leadership, and governance,” she said.
Nakasiita noted that the event came at a time when Uganda is navigating digital transformation, heightened ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) accountability, and rising stakeholder expectations.
“The symposium highlighted the growing importance of strategic communication in executive decision-making, organizational resilience, and sustainable development,” she added. “With real-time media and ethical engagement challenges, PR must now be embraced as a central function of leadership in both public and private sectors.”
