The Public Relations Association of Uganda will host a four-day summit from October 20 to 23, bringing together communication professionals to celebrate five decades of industry growth and discuss the future of public relations.
The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) will hold a four-day Golden Jubilee Summit in Jinja City from October 20 to 23, 2026, to mark 50 years of advancing professional public relations and strategic communication in Uganda.
The summit, scheduled for the Source of the Nile Hotel, will bring together public relations practitioners, communication specialists, industry leaders, partners and other stakeholders to reflect on the profession’s growth and explore its future in an increasingly digital information environment.
The celebrations will run under the theme, “Celebrating 50 Years of Professional Excellence; Shaping the Future of Public Relations.”
Founded on May 22, 1976, PRAU is the umbrella body for public relations practitioners, communication specialists, brand managers and professionals in related disciplines across Uganda.
Over the past five decades, the association has championed professionalisation, capacity building, ethical practice and advocacy, including efforts to secure statutory recognition for the profession.
PRAU president Irene Nakasiita said the anniversary offered an opportunity to recognise the growing importance of strategic communication in strengthening institutions, building public trust and supporting national development.
“Reaching 50 years is not just a celebration of our longevity as an association, it is recognition of the increasing value of strategic communication in building institutional credibility, strengthening stakeholder trust and supporting national development,” Nakasiita said.
She added that the milestone would honour the pioneers who laid the foundation for public relations in Uganda while inspiring younger practitioners to uphold integrity, innovation and professional excellence.
The summit programme will feature professional development sessions, knowledge-sharing engagements, networking opportunities and reflections on the association’s history. Former leaders and pioneers whose contributions have shaped the profession will also be recognised.
PRAU immediate past president and Golden Jubilee Organising Committee chairperson Tina Wamala said the celebrations should extend beyond commemorating past achievements to preparing the profession for future challenges.
“This Golden Jubilee is not simply an opportunity to look back at our achievements. It is an opportune moment to reflect on how we can further professionalise our industry, mentor the next generation of practitioners and continue shaping Uganda’s narrative with integrity,” Wamala said.
The celebrations will culminate in the 10th PRAU Excellence Awards on the evening of October 23, under the theme, “A Legacy in Gold: Honouring the Cream of Public Relations.”
The awards will recognise individuals, campaigns and organisations whose work has contributed to the development of public relations and strategic communication in Uganda.
Participation fees for the summit have been set at Shs1.8 million for PRAU members, Shs2 million for non-members and Shs1 million for students. International delegates will pay $550.
PRAU has acknowledged the support of its partners and sponsors, including Parliament of Uganda, Bank of Uganda, Pearl Bank, Uganda Revenue Authority, Deposit Protection Fund, Next Media, Crown Beverages Limited, Capital Markets Authority, Stanbic Bank, Uganda Baati, Uganda Red Cross Society and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, among others.
The association has invited its members, partners, sponsors and the wider communication community to attend the celebrations in Jinja as it reflects on its 50-year journey and charts the next chapter for public relations in Uganda.
PRAU is affiliated with regional and international professional bodies, including the East African Public Relations Association, the African Public Relations Association and the International Public Relations Association.