Marketing and HR Unite for Mental Health Awareness

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Marketing and HR Unite for Mental Health Awareness
Marketing and HR Unite for Mental Health Awareness

Africa-Press – Uganda. More than 300 professionals are expected to convene on Saturday, June 28 at Kaazi Beach for the third annual Intersociety Meet and Greet—a full-day event dedicated to mental wellness, physical fitness, and professional bonding.

The gathering comes at a time when mental health challenges among corporate professionals are on the rise.

It will bring together agents from the Uganda Marketers Society (UMS), the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), the Uganda Advertising Association (UAA), and the Human Resource Managers’ Association of Uganda (HRMAU).

This year’s edition features a panel discussion led by Darius Niwaha, CEO of Octagon Africa, who, alongside other mental health and retirement planning experts, will provide insights on wellness and financial preparedness.

The event will also include a wide array of physical activities—from football, volleyball, and basketball to board games, tug-of-war, battle shooting, and a treasure hunt—designed to promote camaraderie and physical well-being.

According to Waswa Moses, Director of PR and Marketing at HRMAU, the initiative reflects HRMAU’s commitment to fostering a self-sustaining, supportive ecosystem among professional communities.

“This is not just a social event—it’s a strategic platform for cultivating collective well-being and cross-sector collaboration,” he said.

Charity Winnie Kamusiime Asiimwe, President of UMS, echoed the sentiment: “Professional excellence goes hand in hand with personal well-being.

This gathering is a commitment to supporting one another, prioritising mental health, and building a thriving, connected community of marketers, communicators, and HR professionals.”

PRAU President Irene Nakasiita praised the event’s role in deepening partnerships between like-minded associations.

“There’s a child in each of us, and when we meet and play, that spirit shines through. We must also confront the reality of silent mental health crises among our members. This session is timely and essential.”

Nakasiita added that the intersociety gathering helps expand professional networks and social capital. “It’s a softer yet powerful tool of engagement that fosters trust, collaboration and well-being in high-pressure industries.”

According to a 2023 survey by the UK-based National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS), over 60% of respondents reported that their work negatively affected their mental health, and nearly half felt uncomfortable discussing such issues with their managers.

While the survey was conducted abroad, UAA leaders say its findings resonate strongly within Uganda’s advertising industry.

“Due to the high-pressure nature of agency life, burnout and emotional fatigue are very real,” said Rommel Jasi, Chairperson of the Uganda Advertising Association.

“We’ve witnessed firsthand how this affects our teams, which is why UAA is fully invested in initiatives like Intersociety Connect—to promote wellness, foster support systems, and break down barriers within our industry.”

The 3rd edition of the Intersociety Meet and Greet is sponsored by Antfeet, Etroca, Blend, Vision Group, and Next Media.

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About the Host Associations

HRMAU is Uganda’s leading organisation for HR professionals, championing skills development, research, and best practices in human resource management.

UMS is the country’s premier body for marketers, affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and a member of the African Marketing Confederation.

PRAU, established in 1976, is Uganda’s umbrella association for public relations professionals, and is affiliated with EAPRA, APRA, and IPRA.

UAA represents Uganda’s advertising sector, promoting global standards of excellence. It is the official local representative of Cannes Lions and The Loeries, two of the most prestigious awards in the global creative industry.

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