Public Relations Symposium to champion rise of communication professionals into boardrooms and executive leaders

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) Wednesday officially launched the 4th edition of its annual National Public Relations Symposium, signaling a pivotal moment for the elevation of communication professionals within Uganda’s corporate and governance landscape.

The launch took place at the Uganda Red Cross Society Offices, setting the stage for an event poised to redefine the strategic importance of Public Relations.

The 4th National Public Relations Symposium is scheduled for July 25, 2025, at the prestigious Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.

This year’s symposium, themed “From Strategy to the C-Suite: Elevating PR to the Boardroom,” aims to bridge the gap between communication functions and high-level decision-making. The event will be graced by the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament of Uganda as the esteemed Guest of Honor.

This annual gathering is a crucial convergence point for a diverse array of professionals, including PR and Corporate Communication Professionals, CEOs, Board members, Executive leaders, Government Communication Officers, Marketing and Brand Executives, Public and Corporate Affairs Specialists, as well as PR students and young practitioners. Its overarching goal is to redefine and strengthen the indispensable role of Public Relations within Uganda’s leadership and Governance landscape.

Speaking at the press conference, PRAU President Irene Nakasiita passionately articulated the symposium’s vision: “The 4th National Public Relations Symposium 2025 is a call for communication professionals and leaders to reimagine PR not merely as a support function, but as a core pillar of corporate strategy, governance, and public accountability.”

She further emphasized the transformative nature of the upcoming event: “This year’s symposium will feature an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers and dynamic panel discussions, designed to elevate communication practitioners’ professional stature and prepare them for influential roles in the boardroom.”

As Uganda’s public and private sectors navigate an increasingly complex environment—marked by digital transformation, sustainability imperatives, ESG compliance, and heightened stakeholder activism—the strategic importance of communication has profoundly evolved.

Organizations are increasingly recognizing that communication leaders must actively participate at the highest decision-making levels to effectively shape organizational culture, manage reputation, drive transformation, and engage stakeholders.

The Symposium’s key objectives are designed to directly address this critical need:

Advocating for Inclusion: Championing the inclusion of PR and communication professionals in boardrooms, C-suites, and senior executive leadership positions.

Demonstrating Impact: Showcasing the critical role of strategic communication in ensuring business continuity, fostering public trust, and contributing to national development.

Equipping Leaders: Providing PR practitioners with the essential leadership skills and tools necessary to navigate complex governance dynamics and secure senior roles.

Celebrating Success: Highlighting inspiring success stories of Ugandan communicators who have ascended to CEO, board member, or executive director positions.

Fostering Growth: Cultivating mentorship and networking opportunities, particularly for young professionals, students, and early-career practitioners seeking guidance and connections.

Registration is now officially open for all interested participants: PRAU Members: UGX 200,000, Non-Members: UGX 250,000, Students: UGX 70,000 and Corporate Table (10 seats): UGX 5,000,000

The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), founded in 1975, is the umbrella body representing both private and public communication professionals in Uganda. This includes PR specialists, brand managers, mass communication experts, and other related disciplines committed to advancing the practice of public relations in the country.