PRAU at 50: Association unveils golden jubilee summit in Jinja

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) has unveiled plans for its 50th anniversary celebrations, with a four-day Golden Jubilee Summit scheduled for October 20–23, 2026, at Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja City.

The celebrations will mark five decades since PRAU was founded on May 22, 1976, to advance the public relations profession through professional development, ethical practice, advocacy and capacity building.

Held under the theme “Celebrating 50 Years of Professional Excellence; Shaping the Future of Public Relations,” the summit will bring together communication professionals, industry leaders, corporate executives, government representatives and other stakeholders.

Attendees will reflect on the profession’s contribution to Uganda’s development and its future in an increasingly digital information environment.

PRAU is the umbrella body for public and private sector public relations practitioners, communication specialists, brand managers and professionals in related disciplines.

The Golden Jubilee programme will feature knowledge-sharing sessions, professional development, networking and reflections on PRAU’s history, including recognition of the pioneers and former leaders who helped establish and advance the profession.

PRAU President Irene Nakasiita said the milestone provides an opportunity to recognise the growing importance of strategic communication in building institutional credibility, strengthening stakeholder 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 anniversary would honour the pioneers of Uganda’s public relations industry while inspiring a new generation of practitioners to uphold integrity, innovation and professional excellence.

The celebrations also come as communication professionals navigate the changing demands of digital media and the need for credible, ethical and effective engagement between organisations and their stakeholders.

PRAU has championed the professionalisation of public relations over the past five decades, including advocacy for statutory recognition of the profession.

Organising Committee Chairperson and PRAU Immediate Past President Tina Wamala said the anniversary should serve as a platform for strengthening professional standards and mentorship.

“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 summit will culminate in the 10th PRAU Excellence Awards on the evening of October 23, held 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 growth and advancement of public relations and strategic communication in Uganda.

PRAU has invited its members, partners, sponsors and the wider communications community to participate in the Jinja celebrations.

Participation fees have been set at Shs1.8 million for PRAU members, Shs2 million for non-members and Shs1 million for students, while international delegates will pay $550.

The anniversary is expected to provide an opportunity for the profession to celebrate its achievements, strengthen collaboration and chart a path towards greater recognition and influence in Uganda’s institutional, corporate and public-sector decision-making.