Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament in Uganda, has expressed his frustration with social media influencers who frequently portray Uganda negatively. He believes this persistent negativity affects everyone in the country.
Tayebwa addressed this issue while speaking as the chief guest at the third national symposium organized by the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU). The event took place on June 8, 2024, at Golf Course Hotel in Kampala. The symposium, focused on advancing public relations excellence through emerging trends, brought together top executives and experts in the field.
In his speech, Tayebwa emphasized the importance of using public relations to enhance Uganda’s image and develop a strong national identity. He questioned what Uganda and its people are known for and urged PR practitioners to use their platforms to promote a positive image of the country.
Tayebwa criticized social media influencers who gain popularity but disparage Uganda in their content. He questioned why anyone would want to associate with a brand that constantly criticizes its own country.
Drawing a comparison, Tayebwa mentioned Kenya, which is internationally recognized for its hardworking population. He encouraged PRAU to highlight positive attributes of Ugandans, such as their hospitality and honesty, to shape a positive national identity.
Tayebwa also expressed his support for PRAU’s efforts to become a recognized professional body. He pledged his cooperation once the legislative process begins to help establish PRAU as a professional organization backed by law. This, he believes, will eliminate pretenders and unethical elements within the profession.
John Musinguzi, the Commissioner General for Uganda Revenue Authority, also spoke at the symposium. He emphasized the importance of a professional public relations body in simplifying complex matters like taxation for the general public. According to Musinguzi, effective communication by PR professionals helps bridge the knowledge gap between taxpayers and tax authorities.
PRAU President Tina Wamala highlighted the importance of staying updated with new trends in public relations to remain competitive. She mentioned that the symposium covered topics like artificial intelligence and data analytics, which are crucial for career advancement in the field.
