Leaders of Prau headed by the President irene Nakasiita in the middle and students pose for a picture during the Students’ Symposium and graduation of the 3rd mentorship cohort held at Cavendish University Uganda
The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) has graduated 59 mentees under its third mentorship cohort and officially launched the fourth intake during a Students’ Symposium held at Cavendish University Uganda.
The event brought together students, mentors, and industry leaders to celebrate the achievements of the graduating cohort while ushering in a new group of aspiring communication professionals.
Delivering the keynote address, Comfort Ahumuza of Harris International challenged students to rethink their understanding of public relations. She emphasised that the profession goes beyond social media trends and requires responsibility, sustainability, and a firm commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
Comfort Ahumuza- deelivering her keynote address
“Ignite your potential as young thought leaders. Think beyond social media and embrace sustainability and ESG in your practice. Treat your reputation as invaluable currency; it will shape your career and influence how you are perceived. The world eagerly awaits the innovative brands you will create, the policies you will champion, and the positive impact you will have on your communities,” she said.
Addressing the gathering, PRAU Vice President Ronald B. Katungi reflected on the true essence of mentorship, describing it as more than guidance. He outlined three key pillars of mentorship: influence, vision and service.
“Mentorship is not merely guidance; it embodies influence, vision and service. True motivation arises from vision, not applause. Stay humble in your successes and grounded in gratitude during challenges. Embrace the 5Ds — Dream, Delay, Difficulties, Discipline and Drive. Each setback is an opportunity for growth,” Katungi noted.
He encouraged the graduates to recognise that mentorship does not end at graduation, but rather marks the beginning of a lifelong responsibility to lead with character, resilience and purpose — shaping a generation of professionals who stand out and make meaningful impact.
PRAU President Irene Nakasiita urged the graduates to be intentional and purposeful in their professional journeys, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding reputation in every organization they serve.
Irene Nakasiita -President Prau during the graduation of mentees
“Choose public relations with intention and integrity. Uphold our code of conduct and cherished values. Make reputation a priority wherever you work. Love and protect our profession as you carve your incredible paths ahead,” she said.
Nakasiita expressed gratitude to the mentors who have dedicated their time, financial resources and professional spaces to support the mentees throughout the programme. She encouraged students to treat the mentorship opportunity as a critical stepping stone in their careers and to maximise the networks and knowledge gained.
She also called upon students and practitioners who are not yet members of PRAU to formally subscribe to the association by paying membership fees in order to access professional development opportunities, networking platforms and other benefits offered by the body.
Graduates of the mentorship programme described it as a vital bridge between academic theory and real-world practice, noting that it equipped them with practical industry skills, strengthened their ethical foundation, and expanded their professional networks — all essential for success in the communications field.
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