The country’s top creative minds were celebrated on Saturday night as the Silverback Awards 2025 lit up the Golf Course Hotel in a star-studded gala that honoured the best in advertising, communication, and brand innovation.
Agencies Maad McCann, TBWA\Uganda, and broadcaster GOtv emerged as the biggest winners, scooping multiple accolades across key categories.
The annual awards, organised by the Uganda Advertising Association (UAA), brought together creatives, marketers, filmmakers, and communication industry leaders for a night of elegance, reflection, and celebration.
GOtv, Maad McCann Dominate the Night
GOtv and its agency Maad McCann claimed top honours, taking home Gold in major categories including: Digital & Social Media – GOtv Your BFF (Best Football Friend) and Integrated Campaign – Ka Weekie.
The “Ka Weekie” campaign alone walked away with Gold, Silver, Bronze, and a Craft Certificate, marking it as one of the standout projects of the year.
Maad McCann was also named Agency of the Year, while GOtv clinched the prestigious Brand of the Year award.
TBWA\Uganda Scores Big
TBWA\Uganda also had a strong showing, winning: Silver for Father Christmas’ Side Hustle (Integrated Campaign), Silver for A Lesson in Ugandan Efficiency 2 (Radio) and Bronze for Gaga Every Day (Effective Creativity).
Their radio work on A Lesson in Ugandan Efficiency 2 further earned Craft Gold and a Craft Certificate, cementing their dominance in audio categories.
Outstanding Creativity Recognised
Other key winners included: CTA Space Limited — Silver for SOLOLOZA ALWAYS (Social Good), Creatibuzz — Bronze and Craft Gold for The Man Who Would Not Listen (Film & Film Crafts) and Pivot Media & Marketing Ltd — Bronze for She Walks (Public Relations).
Individual Excellence Honoured
This year’s individual honours celebrated the industry’s top talent: Marketer of the Year — Colin Asiimwe, Creative Director of the Year — Peter Kazibwe, Art Director of the Year — Denis Kajura and Copywriter of the Year — Robert Kizito.
Creative Potential Praised
Hon. Dr Monica Musenero, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, praised the power of creativity in transforming how Uganda tells its story to the world.
“Uganda is the best spot in the world, filled with gifted and brilliant minds. But who will communicate that to the world? Tonight marks a shift in how we approach communication, as we invite creatives to help us amplify Africa’s scientific and technological innovations,” she said.
UAA Chairman Jasi Rommel reflected on the dedication behind every campaign recognised: “This event honours the daily grind, effort, and teamwork that fuel creativity, recognising that true innovation begins in the smallest of moments.”
A Night of Glamour
Organisers described the gala as a celebration of the ideas, visuals, and creative stamina that have set this year’s industry benchmark.
“Glamour, inspiration, and excitement fill the air as we honour the creative minds elevating the industry to new heights,” the Silverback Awards committee said in a statement.
The 2025 edition reaffirmed Uganda’s growing position as a hotbed for creative talent, with agencies and brands committing to raising the bar even higher in the years ahead.
