Honoured at AFROPA, Ugandan recipient Brian Muhumuza inspired to soar

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 UGANDAN ACHIEVERS 

For someone who has rubbed shoulders with a smorgasbord of influential Ugandan personalities like Judith Heard and Desire Luzinda, Brian Muhumuza somehow does well to retain an admirable sense of humility.

It is a virtue nurtured by his humble beginnings and it is no wonder he says his passion lies in goodwill and corporate social responsibility.

More recognized as Bryan Morel — from his own Kampala-based public relations agency Bryan Morel Publications — Muhumuza has only recently returned back home from neighbouring Kenya soaking up honours for his work.

Last Thursday (September 28), the 30-year-old Ugandan publicist emerged as an award-winner at this year's Africa Outstanding Professional Awards (AFROPA), a delightful presentation ceremony that took place in the capital Nairobi.

Raising Uganda's flag high, Muhumuza stood out as the 'Most Outstanding Professional in Public Relations' across the African continent.

Muhumuza (L) poses with friends during the AFROPA ceremony in Nairobi

Soaring higher — and higher

In his comments after receiving the coveted award, the affable Muhumuza commited to renewing "my conviction to strengthen partnerships, foster inclusivity, nurture creative talents, and advocate for a sustainable ecosystem in all our endeavours".

AFROPA, a creation of Ghanaian company The Business Executive, was established to recognize and identify individuals who have excelled in various professions.

Honours go to native Africans and visitors alike who have made significant contributions to the socioeconomic development of Africa.

It is a commitment that 2023 recipient Muhumuza has pledged to continue nurturing.

Having started out as a celebrity personal assistant, determination and disciple have driven him into philanthropy, goodwill for the ecosystem as well as other corporate social responsibility causes.

For a man who lost his father during his first year of life and was cared for by his uncle, Mbarara-born Muhumuza is particularly passionate about children's welfare, creative writing and environment conservation.

He believes in teamwork, networking and adaptability.

A lover of Mariah Carey, Kevon Edmonds and Jennifer Hudson's music, Muhumuza's philosophy is as clear as they can come: self-improvement.

Growing up in central Uganda, he attended Lyakisana Primary School (Rakai district), St Gonzaga SS Kijjukizo (Lyantonde district) and Sseke SS High School (Lwengo district).

He later joined Makerere University to pursue project planning and management, placing him on the desired trajectory to where he plies his trade today.

Before establishing his agency in 2021, Muhumuza had started off by testing the waters through orchestrating student debates, university alumni conferences and talent shows. This exposed him to industry leaders, including designers, journalists and digital enthusiasts.

From then on, there was no turning back.

As evidenced at the Concord Hotel & Suites Nairobi last week, Muhumuza's dedication to duty is paying off.

In 2022, for instance, he was selected as a country envoy to the United Nations (UN) Best Diplomats Conference for Young Leaders and Changemakers in Bangkok, Thailand.

He also served as the national director for Africa title winner Judith Heard at the Miss Environment International pageant in Mumbai, India. 

Muhumuza has also been engaged in campaigns centred around plastic collection, recycling initiatives, and tree planting sustainable change endeavours in Uganda.

Through his Bryan Morel Academics initiative, he mentors and provides internships to aspiring executive assistants, publicists, copywriters, and others.

For Muhumuza, humility remains the driving force of his professional engine.