Africa-Press – Uganda. The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) has awarded the board director of Microfinance Support Centre, Juma Yusuf Kigozi Walusimbi for his outstanding contributions towards building and shaping Public Relations and Communication landscape in Uganda.
The former Board Director FINCA Uganda and former PRAU president who was represented by his daughter, Shamim Nabaggala Walusimbi at the awarding ceremony received the PRAU life achievement award 2023.
Juma Kigozi Walusimbi who is a born of Bajjo village in Luwero District and holds a BA and MBA Accounts and Finance enjoyed nearly 37 years of an illustrious career at the central Bank of Uganda where he served, among other senior positions, as Director of Communications and spokesperson between 2003 and 2010.
The soft spoken, insightful Walusimbi is credited for having contributed to the enhancement of BOU open and transparent external communication.
During his tenure he underwent training in central banking communication, communication strategy development, media relations, stakeholder management, at Bank of England, Riksbank (Bank of Sweden) plus numerous PR Training/ conferences & workshops within Uganda and abroad.
Most notable was the journalists unfettered access to him and other officials as BOU became comfortable to respond to journalists and public inquiries for information.
Speaking at the event, the PRAU President, Tina Wamala noted that Walusimbi served as president of PRAU for two terms, pioneered the PRAU excellence award in 2008 and successfully run it for two years.
“We are indebted to Mr. Juma for revamping of the PRAU Constitution and registering it with the Registrar of Companies (now URSB). Together with the Governing Council (GC), he ensured that PRAU had properly audited books and published annual accounts as well as annual reports from 2007 till to date,” Wamala said.
Wamala observed that Walusimbi together with the PRAU Governing Council and organizing committee, successfully hosted the African PR Conference at Munyonyo Uganda in 2007 which put PRAU to a high pedestal at continental level.
Shamim Walusimbi receives the award on behalf of her dad.
While handing over the award, the first Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Kadaga noted that Walusimbi did commendable work at Bank of Uganda as a communication strategist.
“For a very long time, Juma Walusimbi was synonymous in Bank of Uganda for his seniority, voice and vibrancy. He deserves this award and I want to congratulate him and wish him well,” Kadaga said.
While receiving the award on behalf of his behalf, Shamim Walusimbi appreciated PRAU for recognizing and honoring her father for his lifetime achievements in public relations and communication.
“I stand before you with immense pride and gratitude as the representative of a man who has dedicated his life to the art and science of public relations. My father, Mr. Juma Walusimbi, deeply regrets not being able to join you tonight, but he is truly honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Public Relations Association of Uganda,” Mrs. Walusimbi said.
She said that throughout his career, her father has exemplified the values of dedication, integrity and innovation in the field of public relations adding that this recognition is a testament to his unwavering commitment to fostering communication and understanding in our society.
“As I accept this award on his behalf, I am reminded of the profound responsibility it carries. This honor is not just a celebration of the past but a challenge to the present and the generations that will follow. It challenges us to uphold the principles he championed and to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of public relations,” she added.
She called upon all PRAU members to strive for a future where communication transcends boundaries, where understanding prevails and where the impact of public relations is felt on a global scale.
Walusimbi served as Board Member of Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) for four years and as council member of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) headquarters in London.
He also served on Uganda government task force that implemented the Access to Information Act which made government communications more open and opened up recruitment of public relations, communication and spokespersons of ministries and departments.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
