Ugandan Authorities Reiterates Help for Public Relations Invoice, Emphasizing Want for Business Regulation and Professionalism

The Government of Uganda has reiterated its dedication to progressing the proposed Public Relations Bill, expressing firm backing for the regulation and elevation of the public relations profession nationwide.

This assurance was conveyed by Hon. Esther Anyakun, Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development and Woman MP for Nakapiripirit, who stood in for the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament at the 4th National Public Relations Symposium, hosted at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.

“I’m encouraged to hear that PRAU is formalizing its legal framework through the proposed legislation. This is a praiseworthy step, and I fully commit to supporting its advancement,” she said. “A structured and regulated communications field will reinforce ethical conduct and foster accountability. As the Government of Uganda, we are eager to strengthen our partnership with the public relations community to encourage transparency, public participation, and responsible governance.”

Held under the theme “From Strategy to the C-Suite: Elevating PR to the Boardroom,” the symposium convened a wide array of participants — including public relations and corporate communication experts, CEOs, board members, government spokespeople, marketing professionals, public affairs practitioners, and students — to reimagine the changing influence of PR in Uganda’s governance and leadership systems.

Organized by the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), which represents over 500 registered members, the event served as a flagship platform to:

• Promote strategic communication as a foundational aspect of governance, resilience, and reputation management;
• Provide PR professionals with tools and insights for leadership advancement;
• Recognize industry leaders who have achieved executive and board-level positions;
• Foster mentorship and networking among emerging professionals.

Keynote speaker Odrek Rwabwogo, Senior Special Advisor to the President and Chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), emphasized the value of real-world experience and strategic communication in effective leadership.

“In May 1998, I questioned a lecturer’s credentials, only to learn her modest office managed the largest PR portfolios in Kampala. That moment showed me that qualifications alone don’t define leadership — it’s about vision, commitment, and endurance,” he reflected. “We are now witnessing a dynamic and growing sector, led by talented Ugandans. This evolution is truly uplifting.”

PRAU President Irene Nakasiita described the symposium as a milestone for the profession:

“This is not just another gathering — it marks a movement to embed public relations as a strategic component of leadership, governance, and institutional resilience,” she said.

Panel Discussions Included Topics Such As:

• Preparing for Board Roles: Key Insights for PR Practitioners
• Personal Brand Building for PR Leaders
• CEO-Level Thinking: Leading with Communication at the Heart
• PR Executives Who Have Climbed to Leadership Heights
• Navigating Crises at the Board Level: Managing Perception, Misinformation & Building Trust
• Influencing Public Policy through Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

In an era defined by instant digital interactions, rising misinformation, and growing demands from the public, integrating PR leadership into decision-making bodies is more crucial than ever. The symposium created a valuable forum for professionals to exchange ideas, build networks, and strengthen a more empowered community of communicators