Africa-Press – Uganda. Government has reaffirmed commitment to supporting the Public Relations Bill to passed into law.
Speaking during the fourth national public relations symposium organised by the Public Relations Association of Uganda(PRAU), the Minister of State for Labour, Esther Anyakun who represented the Speaker of Parliament, said government will offer all the necessary support for the Public Relations Bill.
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. As Government of Uganda, we look forward to working more closely with the PR profession to enhance transparency, civic engagement, and responsible leadership,” she said.
“ Let this symposium serve as a launchpad for greater collaboration between communicators and policymakers across all sectors.”
The symposium held under the theme ‘’From Strategy to the C-Suite: Elevating PR to the Boardroom” brought together PR & Corporate Communication Professionals, CEOs, Board Members, & Executive Leaders, Government Communication Officers, Marketing & Brand Executives, Public & Corporate Affairs Professionals, and PR Students & Young Practitioners dedicated to reimagining the role of PR in Uganda’s leadership and governance space.
This year’s symposium was designed to advocate for the inclusion of Public Relations professionals in executive leadership and boardrooms, demonstrate the strategic value of communication in driving governance, business continuity, and reputation management, equip practitioners with tools and insights required to elevate themselves into leadership roles, highlight success stories of PR professionals who have risen into senior executive and board-level positions, create mentorship and networking platforms for emerging communication leaders.
Odrek Rwabwogo, the chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) delivered a keynote address on ‘Redefining Leadership Through Strategic Communication’.
“In May 1998, I remember taking a master’s class where my lecturer only had a diploma. I questioned her credentials, being a proud graduate from Makerere University. Her response was not defensive. Instead, she invited me to her office.”
“That small office with only two computers handled the biggest PR accounts in town at the time. And that lesson stayed with me: credentials do not automatically translate into purpose. Experience, passion, and resilience shape industry leaders. When I later launched a PR firm, only one firm existed in Uganda, an American outfit named Burson-Marsteller. Today, 27 years later, this room is filled with Ugandan professionals in a vibrant, growing industry.”
Irene Nakasiita, the president of PRAU hailed the successful symposium.
This symposium is a defining moment for our profession. Additionally, it’s also about asserting the value of PR beyond messaging and media, into strategy, leadership, and governance,” she said.
She said the symposium came at a time when the country is embracing digital transformation, increased accountability for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, and increased expectations from stakeholders.
“The symposium also highlighted the growing importance of strategic communication in executive decision-making, organizational resilience, and sustainable development. With a focus on the transition of public relations from a tactical function to a significant influence in the boardroom and C-suite.”
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