URA, Pearl Bank Back PRAU’s Golden Jubilee as Public Relations Body Marks 50 Years of Excellence
By Our Reporter
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Pearl Bank have thrown their weight behind the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) as the professional body prepares to celebrate 50 years of advancing public relations and strategic communication in the country. The two institutions are among the sponsors supporting the Golden Jubilee Summit, which will take place from October 20 to 23, 2026, at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja City.
The four-day celebration will bring together public relations practitioners, communication experts, corporate leaders and other stakeholders to reflect on the profession’s achievements, strengthen professional networks and explore emerging opportunities in a rapidly changing communication landscape. The celebrations will conclude with the 10th PRAU Excellence Awards on October 23, recognising outstanding contributions to public relations and strategic communication in Uganda.
Founded on May 22, 1976, PRAU has spent five decades promoting professional standards, ethical conduct, skills development and advocacy among public relations practitioners. The association brings together professionals from both the public and private sectors, including communication specialists and brand managers. Its Golden Jubilee will run under the theme, “Celebrating 50 Years of Professional Excellence; Shaping the Future of Public Relations.”
Pearl Bank’s Marketing Communication Professional, Anthea Turwomwe, said the institution was pleased to be associated with PRAU’s milestone celebrations, emphasising the importance of effective communication in organisational success. She noted that working with professional bodies such as PRAU creates opportunities for institutions to strengthen their communication strategies and learn from industry experts. “Every organization needs a strong communication arm. We can only do that when we associate with PRAU. We look forward to learning at the event, and even after the event,” Turwomwe said.
URA Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs Robert Kalumba also pledged the authority’s commitment to the anniversary celebrations, describing the occasion as an important milestone deserving recognition. Kalumba confirmed that URA would participate in the Jinja event and expressed confidence that the partnership with PRAU would continue beyond the Golden Jubilee. “We are coming to Jinja. It is worth a celebration. Going forward, our partnership will continue,” he said.
PRAU President Irene Nakasiita said reaching 50 years was not merely about celebrating the association’s longevity but also recognising the growing importance of strategic communication in building public trust, strengthening institutional credibility and contributing to national development. She explained that the anniversary would honour the pioneers who established the profession in Uganda while inspiring a new generation of practitioners to uphold integrity, innovation and excellence. Nakasiita added that the milestone offered an opportunity to assess the profession’s progress and prepare for its future.
The celebrations will feature professional development sessions, knowledge-sharing forums, networking engagements and discussions on innovation and the changing demands of public relations in the digital era. Organisers also intend to recognise former leaders and industry pioneers whose contributions have helped shape the profession over the past five decades. Tina Wamala, chairperson of the organising committee and PRAU’s immediate past president, said the anniversary should encourage practitioners to strengthen professional standards, mentor emerging talent and promote responsible communication. She praised the organising team for preparing a programme that reflects the profession’s achievements while addressing its future priorities.
The Golden Jubilee will climax with the 10th PRAU Excellence Awards, held under the theme, “A Legacy in Gold: Honouring the Cream of Public Relations.” The awards will recognise individuals, organisations and campaigns that have demonstrated outstanding performance and contributed to the growth of public relations and strategic communication in Uganda. Through the four-day summit and awards ceremony, PRAU aims to celebrate its 50-year legacy while encouraging communication professionals to embrace innovation, uphold ethical standards and play a greater role in shaping Uganda’s national and institutional narratives.
