January had less PR scandals.

This article strictly offers academic insight meant to create

awareness about crisis PR management. Therefore it should be used for educational purposes and
not viewed as an attack on institutions or individuals. It offers a professional PR insight into
Crisis management in Uganda which is still a young profession. I hope that Lessons shared can
better the PR fraternity in Uganda. I commend the inclusion of Best Crisis Management Award
category in the PRAU Excellence Awards. PR Practitioners need to be fully involved in crises
from the start.
1)
Uganda police officer allegedly beats up journalist with an electric cable
Local media reported about the Old Kampala Division Police Commander (DPC) Joram
Mwesigye who hit the WBS TV cameraman Andrew Lwanga with an electric cable while on
duty. This was during a protest march by youth activists under their organization Unemployed
Youth. His camera was not spared either. The journalist was allegedly detained in a police cell
after the incident despite the pain he was going through. It was after other journalists intervened
that he was then rushed to a health facility. The incident pictures and videos went viral on social
media. This caused public outcry. Uganda police was again portrayed as inhuman. The following
day, journalists under their rights body, Human Rights Network for Journalists Uganda (HRNJU) condemned actions by the DPC.Uganda Police leadership came out and publicly apologized
to the media fraternity which was good PR. The incident raises questions on the type of training
police officers go through and their disciplinary mechanisms. The Uganda Police force
spokesperson Fred Enanga said that actions of individuals cannot be tagged on the entire force.
This was a reassuring positive message from the police.The DPC has since been arrested and
arraigned in court over the incident which was assign of goodwill from the Uganda police. Some
Kampala Lawyers pledged to offer free legal services to the battered journalist
2)
Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Stanley Ntagali publicly refuted Luke
Orombis alleged demon attacks.
The mighty man of God publicly disagreed with his former predecessor over demons . Recently,
there were media reports indicating that retired Archbishop Rt Rev Luke Orombi claimed to have
been attacked by demons at Namirembe. This was a wrong move on Ntagali's side to publicly
disagree on a controversial issue. The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Stanley Ntagali
publicly opposed claims by Christians about the presence of demons and demonic attacks.
Ntagali was preaching at the 8th West Ankole Youth convention at Bweranyangi in Bushenyi and
said there should not be any more talk of demonic attacks and presence among Christians.
Archbishop Ntagalis responses caused mixed reactions among Christians. It was hard to confirm
what Archbishop Ntagalis response meant. Did he mean that there are no demons at all in the
world? Or demons are just psychological?
3)
Katongole omutongole alleged sexual scandal.
The Bukedde Tvs Full dose presenter Katongole was in news for alleged defilement. Katongole
Omutongole organized a press conference to respond to the issue. He distanced himself from the
incident. He also strategically came with his partner Titi.This brought more credibility to the
story. He also explained that he was happily married with children. Katongole further explained
how his wife means a lot to him and why she is still with him even after all the false defilement
accusations.

4)
Katumwa alleged defilement
Kampala Businessman Katumwa was arrested over alleged defilement and locked up at Katwe
Police station. He was later released pending investigations. The PR tactic he did was to get
media to listen to his side of the story.
5)
Leaked Sextape of Robin Mweruka
There was a leaked sex video of allegedly Robinah Mweruka that went Viral on social media
platforms. She reads Agataliko Nfufu news and hosts the Omuntu Wabantu show on
Bukedde TV. The man in the Video was not allegedly her Husband. It raises issues of adultery
and reputation damage. The reputation of her workplace and her personal image was dented.
Local TV anchor Sanyu Robinah Mweruka finally came out to speak about her sextape and
rubbished the sextape as false. She has successfully cleaned her reputation and storm is no more.
Police took over the matter. There is little you can do about a leaked sex tape. You either turn the
sex tape issue into a PR stunt or keep quiet till it is no longer a topic of discussion.
6)
Speculative rumours about Minister Frank Tumwebazes suspension.
Rumours were spreading fast on social media alleging that the Minister for Kampala and
presidency Frank Tumwebaze was suspended .The government moved fast and reassured the
public. The minister for security Muruli Mukasa clarified that the minister in charge of the
Presidency and Kampala Capital City Authority Frank Tumwebaze, Tumwebaze was on official
leave which would end on February 2.Minsiter Frank Tumwebaze also communicated the same
which calmed the situation.
Ivan N. Baliboola
PR & organizational diagnosis specialist
nbaliboola@gmail.com
The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East
African brands in construction, governance, manufacturing, healthcare, Insurance,
fashion, supermarket, Insurance, cosmetics, and banking. He carries a wealth of
experience in marketing, Public relations, crisis management, reputation
management, organisational diagnosis, content marketing and social media. He is a
proud Award winner of a prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda
excellence award. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health
related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist. He has
published over 300 articles through online and traditional media (newspapers and
Magazines)

The writer assumes no responsibility for contrary interpretation of the subject matter
herein.