The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) proudly celebrated the graduation of Cohorts 1 and 2 of its Mentorship Programme at a prestigious ceremony held at Makerere Business School. This milestone marks a significant step in PRAU’s mission to nurture the next generation of Public Relations professionals in Uganda.
The event, which was part of a broader Student Symposium on Public Relations and Communications, brought together industry leaders, mentors, mentees, and distinguished guests to reflect on the success of the programme and discuss the future of PR in Uganda.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Tina Wamala, President of PRAU, commended the mentees for their dedication and applauded the mentors for their unwavering commitment to shaping future PR professionals.
“This occasion marks not just the completion of a journey but the beginning of a promising future for the next generation of PR professionals in Uganda,” Wamala stated. “The PRAU Mentorship Programme was designed to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, ensuring that our mentees gain practical insights, industry exposure, and invaluable guidance from seasoned PR experts.”
The PRAU Mentorship Programme was launched to provide students and young professionals with real-world exposure, hands-on experience, and mentorship from some of Uganda’s leading PR practitioners. Over the course of the programme, mentees engaged in one-on-one mentorship, gained insights into industry best practices, and participated in practical learning experiences.
Guest speakers at the graduation were Ms. Josephine Omunyidde Zhane, Founder, Engender Girls’ Mentorship Programme and Mr. Godfrey Kuteesa – Director, Boys Mentorship. Both speakers emphasized the need for mentees to continuously seek knowledge, expand their networks, build strong character, and cultivate a positive attitude—key factors that contribute to long-term success. Their words served as a powerful reminder that mentorship is not just a phase but an ongoing journey of learning and self-improvement.
Feedback from the graduates highlighted the immense impact of the program. Mentees expressed their gratitude for the knowledge gained and the professional networks they have built. One participant noted, “This initiative has given me a real feel of how PR operates in the real world, and I am confident it will guide me throughout my career.”
However, mentees also suggested improvements, such as extending the duration of the program, increasing the number of mentees, and incorporating more structured physical and virtual group discussions with mentors. PRAU has taken this feedback positively and is committed to refining future mentorship initiatives.
The mentorship programme’s success was made possible through the dedication of PR professionals who volunteered their time and resources to support young talents. Mentors not only shared their expertise but also covered costs for mentees’ professional development, further demonstrating their commitment to the growth of the industry.
As PRAU looks ahead, the association remains committed to expanding its mentorship initiatives, fostering professionalism, and strengthening Uganda’s PR landscape. Wamala urged industry players to continue investing in young professionals, stating, “PR is a dynamic and evolving field. To remain relevant, we must continuously invest in mentorship and knowledge-sharing to elevate our profession.”
The mentors included; Narasi Kambaho Anyijuka, Alex Busingye, Emily Kiracho, Sheila Nduhukire, Charlotte Kemigyisha, Linda Nabirye, Aminah Namuddu, Anita Kayongo, Robert John Anguzu, Irene Nakasiita, Rinaldi Jamugisa and Tina Wamala.
