AAR Ntinda Health centre fire drill

AAR Ntinda Health Centre staff   had their fire fighting awareness training session on September 25, 2013. The Security officer on duty that day   took the AAR Ntinda team through a role play and crucial steps in fighting a fire from his experience. He Cautioned staff not to think that fire fighting is   like a picnic. He warned them against laughing as they fight fire. An audio clip is attached.AAR Ntinda team voted Norah Nakato as their fire marshal. Equipping staff with impeccable fire fighting skills is in line with our Crisis Management plan. This training is mandatory for all AAR staff and service providers (cleaners and security personnel) stationed at respective AAR clinics and offices.

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AAR Bweyogerere staff get fire fighting skills

AAR  Bweyogerere  Health Centre  voted  Patricia  Nantaba  as  their  Fire Marshal.AAR Bweyogerere Health centre  had  their Fire fighting awareness training on Tuesday September 24 ,2013.

Equipping staff with  impeccable fire fighting skills  is in line with our Crisis Management plan.This training  is mandatory for all AAR staff and service providers(cleaners and security personnel) stationed at respective AAR clinics and offices.This also means that  Patricia  can share experiences in fire management with other colleagues in other AAR centres and offices on the same level.A  Fire Marshal offers leadership in the event of a fire outbreak.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 02 October 2013 13:42

AAR Acacia Staff pledge to ensure safety at their Workplace.

 

AAR Acacia  Health  Centre staff   had their Fire fighting awareness training on August 30,2013 at 8am.Equipping staff with impeccable fire fighting skills is in line with our Crisis Management plan. This training is mandatory for all AAR staff and service providers (cleaners and security personnel) stationed at respective AAR clinics and offices. The PR team has already started conducting abrupt crisis audits for all AAR centres and clinics upon completion of the training. A crisis auditor drops in on individual team members unannounced and checks their top-of-the –mind- knowledge of crisis management procedures, fire extinguisher use- steps, and general fire crisis management knowledge.

AAR Jogging Club celebrates ten (10) months of existence

AAR Jogging Club (AJC) held a special workout session to celebrate ten (10) months  of  existence on August 29,2013.All  participants were then be treated to a party. In November 2012, AAR Uganda started a Jogging club with one weekly session.AAR Jogging club sessions  are  free of charge  for everyone but participants have to register. We meet every Thursday at 5:20 pm.Meeting point is the AAR Head office, Plot 16A Elizabeth Avenue, Kololo. Participants can walk, run or jog. After the jogging session, participants are taken through aerobics. The entire jogging route (to and from) is approximately 3.1 kilometres.

 

Read more@ https://www.facebook.com/events/1407287676156590/?fref=ts

 

 

AAR medical outreach at Ministry of Education and Sports

World Vision partnered with AAR Uganda   to organise a medical outreach at the Ministry Of Education and sports headquarters on August 22, 2013. This was part of the World Vision event to celebrate the partnership they have held with Ministry of Education and sports. The Chief Guest was the honorable Minister of Education, Maj.Jessica Alupo who also visited the AAR stall.AAR medical team carried out free doctor consultations, BMI measurements, and blood pressure check-up.

AAR Acacia Staff pledge to ensure safety at the workplace

AAR Acacia Health Centre staff had their Fire fighting awareness training on August 30,2013 at 8am.Equipping staff with impeccable fire fighting skills is in line with our Crisis Management plan.This training is mandatory for all AAR staff and service providers(cleaners and security personnel) stationed at respective AAR clinics and offices.The PR team has already started conducting abrupt crisis audits for all AAR centres and clinics upon completion of the training. A crisis auditor drops in on individual team members unannounced and checks their top-of-the –mind- knowledge of crisis management procedures, fire extinguisher use- steps, and general fire crisis management knowledge.
AAR does not exist to put things right when they go wrong. As far as possible, AAR strives to prevent things from going wrong in the first place –this is AAR's working philosophy. Bad things happen to good companies and individuals all the time; most of them happen suddenly.AAR Workplace welfare and safety as enshrined in our CSR policy is being an employer of choice and also having a firm commitment to address and promote good practices. In order to be successful, any company needs to offer safe, fair, and honest working conditions to its employees and Clients.

KIU students benefit from AAR Kabalagala Health Centre medical booth

AAR Kabalagala Health Centre organised a three day medical booth for Students of Kampala International University   from   21st to 23 rd August. Over 300 people benefited from the event

Services offered included free BMI measurements, blood pressure check- up, HIV testing   and counselling, blood sugar check- up, safe male circumcision, and free doctor consultation. Health promotion literature on lifestyle diseases was available for all .There was also a blood donation exercise. The event was organized by AAR in partnership with Uganda Health marketing Group (UHMG), and the Uganda Blood Bank.

AAR staff participated in the Second Rotary Cancer Run

AAR staff  participated  in the Second Rotary Cancer Run on August   25, 2013 at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds (Kololo airstrip). This was part of   CSR. The Run raised funds for the completion of the Rotary Cancer Ward at St. Francis Hospital, Nsambya – Kampala, Uganda. The Ward will help supplement the current limited facilities for cancer patients in the country. The proposed 32-bed capacity ward is estimated to cost Ushs1.1 billion. The first Rotary Cancer Run, which was held in August 2012 managed to raise over Ushs 300 million shillings. All the different AAR centres and offices  had a representative.Employee Wellness is something AAR Uganda does not take lightly. AAR Uganda has sponsored its staff  to participate in various marathons. Do not forget to join us this Thursday for our weekly workout session. We start at 5:20pm and please keep time.

Top five Ugandan PR crises- June 2013

Top five Ugandan PR crises- June 2013

1)      Foreign Affairs state Minister Summons the Head of European Union Delegation in Uganda.

Ridolfi had a meeting with the Foreign Affairs state minister Okello Oryem, at the Ministry headquarters in Kampala. The head of European delegation in Uganda Dr. Roberto Ridolfi was allegedly grilled about media statements in which he was suspected to have criticized President Yoweri Museveni on some issues. The envoy was quoted in local media criticising the President, claiming that he didn't pay attention to the issue of corruption.

2)      Nince Henry sues  Nakumatt over pirated music

The Police and court bailiffs seized merchandise over illegal sale of music. The artiste insists he has never released the album nor given permission to Nakumatt to sell his music. It was also alleged that the supermarket had been running a promotion where, whoever buys a Hisense Plasma screen takes home the singer's CD for free. The album on display was titled 'Omukyala bamukwata Mpola', which was a wrong title as the correct one is Mpola Mpola according to Nince Henry. The artiste has since opened a case against Nakumatt and X-Zone International. It projected the regional supermarket in a negative way.

3)      Star Times sued over alleged outdated decoders

Digital pay Television provider Star Times was dragged to court for allegedly distributing outdated decoders. Two Star Times pay television subscribers and Uganda Consumer Protection Awareness Association (UCPAA) sued Star Times for failing to stop selling devices that don't meet UCC specifications. They are seeking orders to exchange their decoders with the new technology. Over 130,000 Star Times pay TV subscribers allege that the firm has continued selling them outdated technology which is yet to be switched off instead of a modern decoder with a bigger frequency spectrum capable of carrying higher TV content and compatible with digital. This puts a dent of questionable service quality on star Times though UCC has pronounced it's self on the issue.

4)      KACITA Traders strike over Pre-Import Verification of the Conformity to standards programme (PVOC).

Traders  under the Kampala City  Traders Association(KACITA) went on strike and kept their shops closed in response  to a move by Government to subject all imports to a mandatory standard check in the country of origin before being shipped. PVOC is aimed at curbing the entry of counterfeit and substandard goods from entering the country by inspecting commodities in their country of origin. Uganda Consumers Protection Association was quick to back the Government move saying the protest over cost and price by the traders is not backed by evidence. Trade Minister appealed to traders in Kampala to re-open their shops but the traders resolved to keep their shops closed despite the heavy deployment of the Uganda Police. Vendors who were evicted off the street by KCCA   used the opportunity to get back bringing back chaos. The traders were protesting inspection fees that range between $235 to $250 for 20-feet containers and $7,000 to $2,375 for 40 feet containers. Three agencies, Intertek International, Bureau Veritas and Societe General de Surveillance (SGS), were been contracted for the programme. Critics argued that PVOC was the only way Uganda would be assured of genuine products. This crisis teaches us about the rising power of pressure groups in Uganda and the need for PROs to understand them better.

5)      Namungoona Fuel tanker Fire incident.

This was national crisis that many think could be avoided. An oil Tanker caught fire after an accident in Namungoona. Over 40 people died as a result of the incident. President Museveni offered five (5) million to each victim or deceased's family member. This act was widely criticized with an argument that it encourages stealing .It portrays stealing as a rewarding thing. Most of the people who were burnt were Boda Boda cyclists who had gone to collect free fuel from the tanker.

This article strictly offers academic insight meant to create awareness about crisis PR communication 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. The writer assumes no responsibility for contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands in construction, healthcare, Insurance, cosmetics, and banking. He carries a wealth of experience in marketing, Public relations, crisis management, 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.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

 

 

AAR JOB ADVERTISEMENT: NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

AAR Health Services Group is the leading Health Maintenance Organization in East Africa. AAR provides Pre paid Health & Medical Services to its clients, medical services to the general public and is renowned for its state-of-the art and cutting edge facilities and services. This position is responsible for leading and managing the sales team as well as providing strategic vision, direction and coordinating operations.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

·         Formulation of immediate and long term Country sales and marketing strategies

·         High membership retention rates

·         Profitable and sound membership growth through development and exploitation of new products, new uses and new markets

·         Ensure implementation of performance management framework, for the sales team.

·         Ensure continuous recruitment, training, motivation and supervision of a sound sales team.

·         Develop appropriate relationships with key stakeholders, customers.

 

PERSON'S SPECIFICATIONS:

 

·         A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in marketing or related field

·         Professional qualification in marketing or business management will be desirable

·         ICT competence

·         Five years experience of sales and marketing in a senior position including formulation of strategy and planning

·         Experience of budgetary preparation and control

·         Team player with strong analytical approach to problem solving and good communication skills.

 

Interested candidates should send comprehensive applications, up-to-date CVs, and copies of certificates including daytime telephone numbers, by email or courier by 16 August 2013. Applications should include three referees, none of whom should be your relative and all of whom should have supervised you, taught you or known you through work.

Only successful candidates will be contacted.

 

 

The Human Resources Manager

AAR Health Services (U) Ltd

Plot 16A Elizabeth Avenue- Kololo

P.O.Box 6240

Kampala Uganda

 

Email: hr@aar.co.ug

 

AAR Uganda holds 'Nelson Mandela Workout session'

AAR Health Services General Manager James Macharia led   AJC(AAR Jogging CLUB) members through a milestone workout session to honour  Nelson Mandela on July 18, 2013.The session covered   brisk walking, jogging, running, rope skipping and aerobics activities. This session was held on the Nelson Mandela Day. The objective of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good. Ultimately it seeks to empower communities everywhere. "Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day."
Our event was officially   registered online by the Mandela Day website  http://www.mandeladay.com/calendar/event/aar-jogging-club-holds-workout-session-for-mandela-day.We have workout sessions every Thursday at 5:30pm and participation is free of charge. We thank   the entire AJC family for   making the Nelson Mandela Day  such a phenomenal success. Remember, it is in your hands to make every day a Nelson Mandela Day as we build and strengthen our nation together.In November 2012, AAR Uganda started a jogging club with weekly sessions. Staff members join for free. Employee Wellness is something AAR Uganda does not take lightly. Participants are free to walk, jog, and run. AAR believes that exercising daily brings tremendous benefits to your health. The AAR jogging club sessions are held every Thursday.

Miss Uganda event shocks on bad PR

Natumbwe, a business computing graduate from Greenwich University, left with the Miss Uganda crown, a brand new Mercedes Benz and sh18m. The organizers got it right on Mcs, sound, lighting and entertainers but faulted on the Mercedes gift.Queen mother Best Kemigisa who was the guest of honour handed over a cheque of 18million to Stella and proceeded to hand over keys of a new Mercedes Benz as the second prize. The gift of Miss Uganda which was a Mercedes failed to start.

This shock on PR featured on the mighty ‘Agataliko nfufu’ News on Bukedde TV.The situation was worsened by the Former big Brother housemate Denzel who showed up bare footed in a suite to give one of the contestants a present. What was the exact problem with the Mercedes?  Did the event organizers actually mock start it before the event?         Was there any per-event communication regarding dress code or who was going to hand over the gift?

Today’s PR and Brand or marketing managers need to think beyond Publicity stunts. Controversy sells but it should never be at a sacrifice of the organization’s reputation it has built over time. Some argued that it was a hilarious stunt that would keep the event fresh in the minds of media professionals. Miss Uganda organization this time round put their best foot forward to revamp it which is promising but those stunts put it back.

Why cohabiting is acceptable today?

Everyone would agree that you need to be sure and picky when choosing a person you will live with for the rest of your life. If it is a future together. Get it right from the start.The Oxford dictionary defines cohabiting as a couple living together and having a sexual relationship without being married. Cohabiting Option has grown out of suspicion because women fall in love for different temporary reasons ranging from excitement to material gains. This breeds fear of commitment in some men. Fear arising from mistrust. Desire for cohabiting is likely to double over time because women are more focused on hooking MR. Right. Women unleash their true colours after getting the ring. Very few women are real.

Disappointments have made very many people especially men to cohabit. There is this theory about shoe sizes. Before you take shoes, you have to try them on not just looking at the sizes. Sex has lost respect and it is no longer a preserve for the married. Today people have embraced   'friends with benefits' , 'Hall pass', and'one night stands'. These have pushed for emotionless sexual relations. Some cultures strongly value children. People from such cultures fear marrying those that are either barren or impotent. People decide to live together illegally just because they fear commitment before they are sure about some reproductive capabilities.

Some Boda boda guy keeps advising me that men are supposed to officially Marry  a woman after giving birth to at least four children .Most Women would desperately accept a cohabiting venture out of desperation and hope. But how many keep marriage promises? Is n't it safer to only live together after an official marriage? It does not hurt for the cohabiting couple to have at least a legal contract to that effect.

There are many people who see  marriage as an unnecessary legal requirement burden which is expensive rather than a companionship exercise. Costly weddings have made some to simply cohabit till they raise enough funds to hold a marriage ceremony. Some choose not to be married. They feel that either you are committed or you are not; a marriage certificate will not make any difference. There are those who want to give the relationship a trial period before deciding on marriage. This is a very common attitude, and quite logical. Why not give a relationship a test drive? Can you live together? Will you be able to make the compromises necessary? Cohabiting is a sure way to get married easily .If a Couple that has failed to get parental approval; they may resort to staying together. They set pregnancy as abet for their parents'    approval of their love relationship. Today we see very many pregnant ladies on their introduction and wedding ceremonies.

The choice to cohabit or not to cohabit entirely depends on  you and what you stand for. Christians should never cohabit because it is not acceptable. Disappointed married Brothers who have picked their partners from church should not be an endorsement to try cohabiting.

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing,Public relations, strategies, crisis management,and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes.He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

<a>nbaliboola@gmail.com</a>

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Why cohabiting is acceptable today?

Everyone would agree that you need to be sure and picky when choosing a person you will live with for the rest of your life. If it is a future together. Get it right from the start.The Oxford dictionary defines cohabiting as a couple living together and having a sexual relationship without being married. Cohabiting Option has grown out of suspicion because women fall in love for different temporary reasons ranging from excitement to material gains. This breeds fear of commitment in some men. Fear arising from mistrust. Desire for cohabiting is likely to double over time because women are more focused on hooking MR. Right. Women unleash their true colours after getting the ring. Very few women are real.

 Disappointments have made very many people especially men to cohabit. There is this theory about shoe sizes. Before you take shoes, you have to try them on not just looking at the sizes. Sex has lost respect and it is no longer a preserve for the married. Today people have embraced   'friends with benefits' , 'Hall pass', and 'one night stands'. These have pushed for emotionless sexual relations. Some cultures strongly value children. People from such cultures fear marrying those that are either barren or impotent. People decide to live together illegally just because they fear commitment before they are sure about some reproductive capabilities.

Some Boda boda guy keeps advising me that men are supposed to officially Marry   a woman after giving birth to at least four children .Most Women would desperately accept a cohabiting venture out of desperation and hope. But how many keep marriage promises? Is n't it safer to only live together after an official marriage? It does not hurt for the cohabiting couple to have at least a legal contract to that effect.

There are many people who see marriage as an unnecessary legal requirement burden which is expensive rather than a companionship exercise. Costly weddings have made some to simply cohabit till they raise enough funds to hold a marriage ceremony. Some choose not to be married. They feel that either you are committed or you are not; a marriage certificate will not make any difference. There are those who want to give the relationship a trial period before deciding on marriage. This is a very common attitude, and quite logical. Why not give a relationship a test drive? Can you live together? Will you be able to make the compromises necessary? Cohabiting is a sure way to get married easily .If a Couple that has failed to get parental approval; they may resort to staying together. They set pregnancy as a bet for their parents'    approval of their love relationship. Today we see very many pregnant ladies on their introduction and wedding ceremonies.

The choice to cohabit or not to cohabit entirely depends of you and what you stand for. Christians should never cohabit because it is not acceptable. Disappointed married Brothers who have picked their partners from church should not be an endorsement to try cohabiting.

Bweyogerere market community receives free medical services from AAR Bweyogerere clinic

AAR Bweyogerere organized a medical booth for the people in and around the Bweyogerere market on Friday July 07, 2013.Over 180 people benefited from the medical booth. The team led by the AAR  Bweyogerere Health Centre Manager Dr. Stephen Lugolobi   carried out free BMI measurements, family planning services, heath talks, deworming exercise , blood pressure check-up, free doctor consultations, random blood sugar tests, HIV testing and counselling.

 

AAR Bweyogerere Clinic took the brand to the community it operates in.Bweyogerere is the name of a township in south-central Uganda. It is one of the six townships that constitute Kira Municipality in Wakiso District. In 2008, it was estimated that the population of Bweyogerere Township was approximately 42,000.

 

Hundreds turn up for the AAR Bweyogerere outreach at NSSF Kireka

AAR Bweyogerere Health Centre held a medical outreach at NSSF Kireka Branch. The outreach was organised in conjunction with National social security Fund (NSSF) and UHMG on June 19, 2013. The AAR team carried out free general body checkups, BMI measurements, blood pressure check–up, free HIV testing and counselling. Over 120 people benefited from the initiative. The AAR team gave out free consultation vouchers and health promotion literature to those who visited the AAR stall.AAR Uganda takes on initiatives that impact on the social well-being of communities in which it operates in. Kireka town neighbours  Bweyogerere trading centre.

Have you ever been cheated at a restaurant?

Have you ever been cheated at a restaurant?

Have you ever been to a restaurant where you have to order with cash? Did you probably realise you paid the wrong or 'ghost' waiter?

This is common at restaurants where waiters do not wear uniforms and counters are isolated.

 Measures

• You can opt to walk straight to the counter, pay and then order for what you want.
• Always pay the ushers with name tags on them. Try to memorise faces and other features of waiters who serve you. Always insist on seeing the menu before you order to familiarise yourself with prices.

 

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

 

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PR & Online engager
Ivan.N.Baliboola
0752304274
0777675942
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Has Man fulfilled God`s mission of creation as portrayed in Genesis 1:26?

Has   Man fulfilled God`s mission of creation as portrayed in Genesis 1:26?

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth'(Genesis 1:26

Man has failed to fulfilled God`s mission of creation as portrayed in Genesis 1:26 in a number of ways;

Man has put himself at the centre of the world and puts himself first and forgets God which was not the case before creation.

Mankind has failed to take care of God`s creation like animals.  Some people use animals for evil purposes for instance witchcraft sacrifice practices. Man has also led to    extinction and death   of animals which he is supposed to protect. There has also been   pollution   of rivers   by   man   as well as destruction of forests which act as habitats to some animals. There is environmental degradation   in support of   development yet   man is supposed to protect the environment.

There is too much   discrimination   among God's people yet all people are equal before God. Church leaders and   Christians   continue to treat people basing on tribe, race, financial status, political status. God created all people in his image to be equal.

There is kidnapping and   child slaughter, sacrifice by self styled witches and false prophets. This has been worsened by human trafficking. Man is supposed to be custodian of God's creation

Man has today manufactured weapons like landmines, nuclear   weapons, bombs, guns that has destroyed untold number of lives, property and wildlife.

Today man trusts in science theories more than God's which has broken relationship between God and man.

There are currently many sex deviations   like homosexuality that have even been   endorsed in some churches. Some people practice prostitution and yet they are in God's image. Bible says the body is a God's temple therefore they abuse God's creation. Other sexual deviations include: rape, defilement, an masturbation. Man's body is supposed to be a temple of worship.

Introduction   of  strict family planning methods by governments. These include contraceptives which limit reproduction and expansion of God's kingdom.

Man has changed God's creation into worship idols instead of God who is the only God.

However, man has also tried to fulfill God's mission of creation in Gen 1:26 in the following ways;

Man is in the position of great responsibility. He is a co-creator with God. He has done this through production of children.

Man has taken care of the environment and rest of God's creation.

Man has worshiped and glorified God's name for the work and mighty which was one of reasons of creating him in his own image.

God created man in his image so as   to identify with him. Mankind has maintained a special relationship with God.

Some people   have opted to study religious subjects as well as pursue religious careers like priests and pastors.

Some people have exhibited exact characteristics of God like being, caring, merciful and loving on earth. Some have started charities to help the disadvantaged.

Some people have endured persecution in the name of God

   

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

 

Why brothers are slow in church

Men don't necessarily play around. If they need something they will fight to get it right away. Maybe he is not interested in you and all he can offer is friendship don't just call him slow. Waiting for probably ten years as he monitors you. Great things come to those who wait.

Some sisters use the same yardstick of the world brothers who are quick. They find you on the street, in a minute he is all over her. Some men have suffered acting slowly as the target is taken over by someone else. It pays to be slow a picky as a man. Brothers should never rush because they are looking out the best   character and heart matter not beauty as the secular guys jump for.

Some people think studying should be left to the women. I personally think brothers should start a relationship and then study while in that relationship. It's wrong to study and then propose.

Ivan .N.Baliboola

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

How to start a conversation with a stranger in a taxi.

How   to start a conversation with a stranger in a taxi.

Have you ever used public transport and you failed to talk to a stranger?

1.       Be nice and approachable. Make sure you greet people seated next to you.

2.        Pretend you do not know where you are going and ask him/her for guidance.

3.       Open the window wide open and wait for them to ask you to close it

4.       Sit next to a closed windscreen. She/him will ask you to open and you can start talking all the nonsense.

5.       Flirt and maintain eye contact with him/her till they talk.

6.       Ask them about what they like or what they are doing at the moment? You can then discuss novels, movies or politics depending on what they are passionate about.

7.       Intentionally   drop money to attract attention. Coins are the best option.

 

 

Uganda: Myth about writing in PR.

Uganda: Myth about writing in PR

 

There is a misconception about writing in Public Relations. People think that a Public relations is for people who cannot write. They think it involves less writing. Some simply opt for PR thinking they will not write a lot compared to journalists. A PR practitioner is actually a content generator and an editor at the same time. This is not the case with journalists. Journalist will submit their story to a sub- editor. A sub-editor also shares with the editor before the story runs.

There is dominance of press   agentry task among Public Relations Practitioners in Uganda which means that there is actually more writing related tasks. Less focus is put on other management roles of PROs. Public relations officers are primarily occupied with media relations aimed at gaining publicity. That is why most   Public Relations in Uganda are picked from print and broadcast media. Many journalists have now crossed to public relations. Some people judge PR practitioners' expertise by the number of  media contacts they have and mileage that can be generated which is sometimes misleading.This includes periodic publicity across broadcast and print media a PR practitioner was able to generate.

 

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

 

Effective Public speaking skills

Effective Public speaking skills

To have a good speech is not rocket science but you will need some skills to speak at public functions. Public speaking is like communicating to a stranger who is expected to benefit from your speech. Avoid situations where people know or guess what you are about to present in your speech.

It's better to start by choosing a person to introduce you if you cannot do it yourself. This strategy presents you as a credible speaker with authority. The Appearance is also important for instance the dress code and hygiene. Time management is also crucial. It's better to lay out your points making them precise. Desist from using bombastic words. At least take four seconds before you start speaking.It gives you confidence and will get the attention your audience.

Identify your audience and craft the message in consideration with their education, culture religion, and interests. Otherwise you can incite violence, be misunderstood, hurt your audience's feelings .The form of salutation or greeting must contain elements of respect and dignity. Failure to follow protocol is disastrous. Great your audience in a manner that appeals to all peoples in their respective capacities.

Where need be, follow it with apologies if any. Appreciation and acknowledgement can come in the concluding remarks. Usage of proverbs, quotations, sayings, idioms together with other expressions act as spices to the language thus commendable. However, they should be used in their right forms and meaning. Nasty, provocative and obscene expressions irritate should be avoided. It's always a good idea to do a mock speech as you rehearsal for the final one. Go check out the venue .You could practice before a group of friends.

Denounce strong criticism and abuses on grounds of religion and political ideologies in public. There is a common behavior of people speaking especially while others listen. Fear mixed with shivering as if one is attached to naked electricity wire should be dealt with. Look at the audience, if shy; maintain eye contact at the back or corner. Do not pause for long during an applause or laughter.

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

 

 

Roles and functions of radio in society

              Roles   and functions of radio in society

Radio is an electronic medium of audio communication

Functions and roles

Information .Through news, talk shows, adverts and other programmes, radio creates awareness in society of what is happening within and outside a given the society. For example focus on Africa programme on BBC world service radio.

Education. Through the documentaries, drama and quiz shows aired on radio. Society members are able to draw lessons. Look at instance of  plays on Hiv/Aids, agriculture  aired. Radio teaches society development and health aspects relevant to day to day needs. Documentaries on agriculture, health have also impacted on society's world over.

Entertainment . Society members are entertained through music and plays. Some radio stations have humorous morning and evening programmes. Radio kills boredom and occupies people through leisure. The different music genres also appeal to all age groups in society. Radio as a secondary medium, someone can listen to radio while doing something else like washing, reading

Watch dog and surveillance. Radio reporters follow up society issues relating to religion, politics and education .They report back to society through news bulletins and other programmers. Radio keeps an eye on crimes and security in society.

Agenda setting. Radio presents to society issues yet to become public debates. Radio provides variety of options on which to base enlightened decision. The radio determines what audience will discuss airing it. By talking about a corrupt government official  , society members are brought on board 'call to action'.

Radio is behavioral change agent. Some radio stations represent and stand for society values, goals and culture. For example a church radio station will promote abstinence, forgiveness and good morals in society. Also the content aired on radio has  impact on behavour in society.

 Mobilization of society towards common goals. Radio can be used mobilization campaigns like immunization, election, and religious campaigns. Radio can be used as an early warning tool. Radio can Mobilize society for action during times of disasters to either flee or prevent them. civic education on radio especially during election periods  boosts greater participation of society in leadership and hold leaders accountable

Platform for people`s different views and opinions. Different people in society use this unique social space to air their views. Many people can call in and present their differing views on various issues .This further creates interaction amongst callers in different areas.

Avenue for advertisement. The adverts also provide society with knowledge of products in the market. Advertisers in society use radio to widen their market. Radio stations receive revenue from the adverts aired.

Exposure .Radio connects the needy in society with the people or organizations who wish to help them deal with their problems. Heart patients can use radio to solicit for operation funds they cannot afford.

Psychological support in society. Moist radio stations have programmes where people share problems with counsellors, doctors and get answers or solutions at no

cost.

 

However, radio has played negative roles in society

Inciting violence and Promoted Moral degeneration .Radio stations have sometimes used to promote hate against specific groups of people. Radio ignited   the Rwandan Genocide as it promoted hate between Hutu and Tutsi. Also some politicians use radios stations to mobilize people to riot against those in power. Moral degeneration is brought in by the adult programmes aired on radio without censorship. Other negative roles played by the media include: disinformation, discrimination, tribalism

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

 

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Ivan.N.Baliboola
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