Minister Kabbyanga Reiterates Gov’t Support for PR Industry as PRAU Unveils Excellence Awards

The Minister of State for National Guidance, Hon Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga, has reiterated the government’s commitment towards ensuring the public relations and communication industry flourishes.

He was speaking Friday during the Public Relations Associations of Uganda (PRAU) National Symposium held at Hotel Africana in Kampala.

The symposium was attended by PR professionals and communicators from both the public and private sectors, NGOs, corporations, students and enthusiasts.

While opening the symposium, Minister Kabbyanga lauded the former PRAU Governing Council for coming up with “a great idea; an idea that has seen all key players in the Public Relations and Communication sectors come together to discuss issues pertaining to the industry”.

“We are doing this through a number of means. First, the Government, through the Ministry of Public Service has developed a Scheme of Service for all communicators working in Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs),” he said.

According to the Minister, the scheme aims to help the government to streamline communication in all MDAs.

“It is hoped that this will go a long way in facilitating information sharing, which in turn, is hoped to support service delivery to our people. As you may be aware, currently, all MDAs have professional PR professionals managing communication. This is evidence enough that Government is committed to supporting the Public Relations and Communication sectors in Uganda.”

He said the government is doing all this because it cherishes the value of communication in running the affairs of society and the value of communication in supporting service-delivery-related programs.

“I have been informed by the President of PRAU that Uganda will be hosting a regional Public Relations Conference in November this year, in Jinja City. I would like to thank PRAU for working hard in their bid to host this conference.”

He said there is no doubt that the conference will help to enhance Uganda’s image in the region and beyond, in terms of trade, tourism and in other aspects.

“I would like to assure you of the government’s support towards this conference. I implore you to come in big numbers,” he concluded.

At the end of the symposium, PRAU launched the “PRAU Excellence Awards” which will take place at a ceremony in Jinja later this year.

While launching the awards, PRAU Secretary General, Allen Ssempa, said the awards are meant to recognize PR excellence in the country to appreciate and motivate players.