Maria Kiwanuka tips on digital era at PRAU event

Speaking at the 5th annual Public Relations Association of Uganda(PRAU) awards, former finance Minister Maria Kiwanuka, who also doubles as the CEO of Radio one Uganda, tipped Public relations specialists on how to optimize the digital era.

She reasoned that whereas in the past, news was presented to the public through a certified and institutionalized form of main stream media, today the case is different.

true
Winners take a group photo with dignitaries at the event

“This is the age of citizen journalism where with the usage of social media anybody anywhere and at any time can present news to the public,” said Kiwanuka

She urged therefore that Public relations practitioners should always be on the alert, responding to what people want to know. She added that practitioners should be active rather than reactive, energise their audiences, communicate both bad and good news,treat individuals with the greatest respect among other values.

true
Winners take a group photo with dignitaries at the event

Instead of bashing digital media platforms therefore, Kiwanuka advised that, professionals should instead use digital to their advantage.

When used well, she said, social media platforms could garner increased brand visibility and optimize trends.

The Public Relations Association of Uganda(PRAU) is an umbrella body for public relations officers in Uganda and is affiliated to other public relations associations all over the world such as the federation of African public relations associations.

true
Sheebah Karungi entertains the guests

The organization was started in 1976 by James Mutabazi , a public relations practitioner with the vision to become the leading public relations association in Africa.

Consequently the Prau awards were born 6 years ago with the aim to award leading PR practitioners in the country.

The secretary general of PRAU, Cynthia Mpanga urged more PRO’s to join PRAU claiming that joining the organization has been a life changing experience for her.

There after the patron of the organization  and  Information minister, Jim Muhwezi pledged continual government support to public relations and communications specialists in the country.

true
The guests having dinner

Adhering to the dress code of black and red, guests filled up the main hall at Imperial Royale Hotel by 8:00 pm.

In between speeches were music performances by live band duo Pragmo and Sheebah Karungi punctuated by a sumptuous three course meal.

The event ended at exactly midnight.

true
Vision Group’s marketing manager (R) graced the event

Below is the list of winners:

1.       Best young communicator-Niwagira Phiona(A PR student at Cavendish University)

2.       Best Media Management campaign: Cranes Namutima by Nile Breweries

3.       Best event: Housing Finance Bank for the Housing Finance Conference

4.       Crisis Management Award: Metropolitan Republic Uganda for managing the MTN data bundle debacle

5.       Corporate social Responsibilty Award: Standard Chartered Bank

6.       Public sector Award: National Drug Authority

7.       Not for Profit Campaign: Obulamu Health Campaign

true
Information minister, Jim Muhwezi addresses the congregation

8.       Best Corporate online Publication: None of the entrants met the criteria set for the awrd

9.       Best social digital media campaign- Uganda Breweries Red card campaign c/o Fireworks advertising

10.   Golden Honours Award: Vincent Musubire

11.   People’s choice Award: Nbs Television Uganda

12.   PRAU Shepherd’s award: Sms media

13.   Best PR agency: Fireworks advertising

true
Julius Muchunguzi, communications advisor to the prime minister Office of the prime minister and assistant apokesperson/aedia Officer at Commonwealth Secretariat, London