The Uganda Advertising Association (UAA), in partnership with The Loeries, has launched the Silverback Creative Week, a six-day celebration of creativity, learning, and innovation designed to transform Uganda and East Africa’s marketing and communications industry.
Running from Monday, 10th to Saturday, 15th November 2025, the week will culminate in the prestigious Silverback Awards Gala, held under the theme “Elevating the Grind.” The event will celebrate innovation, collaboration, and global competitiveness across the region’s marketing communications landscape.
“The Silverback Creative Week reflects UAA’s commitment to professional excellence and to positioning East African brands for global impact,” said Rommel Jasi, Chairman of the Uganda Advertising Association. “By drawing inspiration from world-class benchmarks like The Loeries and Cannes Lions, both of which UAA officially represents in Uganda, we aim to elevate industry standards and empower our professionals with strategic tools and creative confidence.”
Spotlight on Emerging Talent
The week opens with the Young Silverback Competition (Monday 10th – Wednesday 12th November 2025), targeting creatives under 30. Participants will respond to a live brief within 24–48 hours, showcasing their strategic and creative skills under real-world pressure.
“This competition is a springboard for young professionals to demonstrate their potential and gain meaningful industry exposure,” said Nicole Nyokabi, UAA Secretary General and Chairperson of the Silverback Awards Committee.
Winners will receive medals, certificates, and internship opportunities with UAA member agencies and partners—strengthening youth empowerment and career development. The competition briefings and judging sessions will be held at the Next Conference Centre, Next Media Park in Naguru, with winners celebrated at the Awards Gala on Saturday, 15th November 2025.
Industry Learning and Collaboration
The Communications Industry Symposium will follow on Friday, 14th November 2025, at the Next Conference Centre (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM), bringing together marketers, advertisers, media professionals, and creatives for a day of masterclasses and workshops led by top industry leaders.
“This year, we’ve reimagined the Symposium to deliver actionable insights and global perspectives that enhance our everyday practice,” said Paul Mwirigi Muriungi, UAA Executive Committee Member and Symposium Lead.
Keynote speakers under the Visionaries Track include: Kin Kariisa, CEO – Next Media, Hilda Karamagi, CIM Fellow & Managing Director – Blue Edge Marketing, David Galukande, Managing Director – QG Group and Herbert Opio, Communications Lead – Red Brick Consulting.
The Professional Track will feature: Betty Mukami Njirain (Regional Director, East Africa – Eskimi), Ayele Egbuson (CFO & Head of Education – CEMM Group), Irene Byarugaba (Head of Business Development – Reelanalytics), Ben Mwine (Head of Corporate Affairs & Partnerships – Next Media), Frank Fred Kumakech (General Manager – Mobicast Media), Elizabeth Mutamuliza (Marketing Manager – Beer, Uganda Breweries Limited), and Sandra Angaine (Brand Manager – Crown Beverages Limited).
Tickets are priced at UGX 250,000 for UAA members, UGX 300,000 for non-members, and UGX 100,000 for students.
The week will conclude with the Silverback Awards Gala on Saturday, 15th November 2025, at the Golf Course Hotel, honouring the region’s most outstanding campaigns in categories such as Film & Film Craft, Print & Print Craft, Media, Public Relations, Digital & Digital Craft, Live Events, and Social Good.
New categories like Data & Insight Driven Campaign and Customer Experience Programme highlight the region’s growing emphasis on strategic, measurable communications.
Tickets for the Awards Gala are UGX 300,000 per individual and UGX 3,000,000 per table. Combined tickets for both the Symposium and Gala can be purchased via www.silverbackawards.com.