Public relations agency brainchild Burson has won four awards at the 10th Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) Excellence Awards, with senior PR executive Lynn Nasirumbi among the night’s honourees after being named PR Rising Star.
The awards ceremony took place at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja, as PRAU marked its 50th anniversary under the theme, “A Legacy in Gold: Honouring the Cream of Public Relations.”
brainchild Burson received the PR Powerhouse award, recognising outstanding performance in Uganda’s public relations industry. The agency also won Reputation Champions for its communications crisis management work on behalf of Airtel Uganda, Viral Gold for social media work undertaken for Crown Beverages Limited, and PR Rising Star, awarded to Nasirumbi.
The four awards recognise the agency’s work across public relations, reputation management and digital communication, as well as the contribution of its staff.
Nasirumbi’s award marks another milestone in her career, following two Young Silverback Award wins at the Silverback Awards organised by the Uganda Advertising Association in 2022 and 2024.
She joined brainchild Burson through its apprenticeship programme and has since progressed to become a senior PR executive. Her work involves strategic communication and public relations, with an emphasis on helping organisations manage their reputations and engage their stakeholders.
Beyond her professional duties, Nasirumbi has engaged university students to share her experiences and offer guidance to those pursuing careers in journalism, public relations and communications.
She holds a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Communications from Makerere University.
Speaking after receiving the award, Nasirumbi said the recognition reflected the support she had received and the responsibility that comes with professional growth.
“Winning the PR Rising Star Award is a meaningful milestone for me. It is a reminder of how much I have learnt, the people who have supported my journey and the responsibility that comes with growing in this profession,” she said.
She added that the award was particularly significant as PRAU celebrated five decades of advancing public relations practice in Uganda.
Nasirumbi also acknowledged brainchild Burson for providing opportunities to learn and develop professionally, expressing hope that her journey would encourage more young people to pursue careers in the communications industry.
Denise Kayiraba, business unit head at brainchild Burson, said Nasirumbi’s achievement demonstrated the value of mentorship and professional development.
Kayiraba said Nasirumbi had progressed from the agency’s apprenticeship programme to a senior executive role through continued learning and commitment to her work.
The PR Powerhouse award was another significant recognition for brainchild Burson, which marks 12 years of operations in 2026.
Commenting on the agency’s performance, Kayiraba said the award reflected its work in strategic public relations, brand reputation management and media relations.
She also credited the agency’s clients, partners and staff for their contribution to its achievements.
Walter Wafula, group chief executive officer of fireworks Advertising, the agency’s parent company, said the awards were a source of pride for the wider group and reflected its investment in talent, partnerships and communication services.
brainchild Burson serves clients across several industries in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and South Sudan as part of the Burson Africa network. It is a subsidiary of fireworks Advertising, a long-established player in Uganda’s communications industry.
The agency has also previously been recognised as Best PR and Digital Agency in Uganda at the Africa Excellence Awards, organised by UK-based MEA Markets.
The PRAU Excellence Awards recognise individuals, agencies and organisations for achievements in public relations, strategic communication and campaign management. The 10th edition formed part of the association’s golden jubilee celebrations, bringing together recognition of established industry players and emerging professionals.
The results placed brainchild Burson among the major winners at this year’s ceremony, while Nasirumbi’s recognition highlighted the contribution of younger practitioners to the future of Uganda’s public relations industry.