Below is the list of the top seven Ugandan PR crises that rocked February 2015.
- Franklin dismisses arrest reports by Ethics minister Fr Lukodo
Ethics minister Fr lukodo held a press conference and announced that Nigerian suspect Mr Franklin Emuobor Ebenhron in leaked Desire Luzinda nude pictures case was arrested. With bad news, the best move is to own up and apologise if possible. The sooner the better. This may give you more control of media coverage. Franklin refuted reports as false claims in an online video. He said that the Ethics Minister was high on cheap drugs. This incident portrayed Fr Lukodo as a liar. As a person in priest shoes, some Ugandans felt a lie meant resignation in public interest and taking full responsibility by apologizing repeatedly. It is understandable for a minister to abstain from responding in the same currency like Franklin. The minister would calm media interest in the story by playing blame games.
- Desire luzinda arrest over alleged obtaining money by false money
Local musician Desire Luzinda was arrested at Entebbe Airport over charges of obtaining money by false pretence and helping her former Nigerian boyfriend to illegally obtain a Ugandan passport. Police acted after she had allegedly not responded to summons. Police say Desire received Shs24m from a lecturer at Cavendish University claiming she was to use it for a concert at Serena Hotel and would refund it. But when she was given the money, she disappeared which prompted the lecturer to report a criminal case of obtaining money by false pretence at police. This was a negative story just as her leaked nude pictures saga is about to be forgotten.
- NRM MPs allegedly fight over beds at Kyankwanzi
Two MPs, Ms Ann Nankabirwa and Ms Florence Nebanda fought each other over sleeping arrangements at Kyankwanzi. Fracas allegedly got physical after Ms Ann Nankabirwa, the Kyankwanzi District MP, displaced Ms Florence Nebanda (Butaleja Woman) from a bed This was reported by local media and hence a major NRM PR crisis. Public may never get facts to come to conclusions on who was wrong or right but MPs should solve their misunderstandings verbally without getting physical. There was a public outcry because as mothers they are expected to set a good example. It presented many PR opportunities that were not fully exploited. These MPs could still profit from this as a publicity stunt for upcoming elections by finding ways to prolong the crisis in the media.
- FUFA and AZAM saga over local premiership league
FUFA and AZAM are entangled in a fracas over Uganda premiership league broadcasting rights. FUFA controversially awarded broadcast rights to AZAM. Embracing a new broadcaster yet the old contract Super Sport signed with the Uganda Super League (USL) in 2011 was still running explains the crisis.AZAM PR machinery needs to jump in to direct media coverage to harvest sympathy, support, and goodwill as they clean their brand. AZAM and FUFA brands will continue swimming in the river of negative publicity until this is resolved. Parliament has since picked interest in the saga.
- MUK graduate marks scandal
Makerere University is embroiled in a scandal of fake degrees. The incident showed weakness in examination processes. This was a top media story that affected image of University and former students. Makerere University’s decision to withhold some transcripts prolonged the crisis by causing panic though the same move could be used as a public reassuring tactic in relation to academic integrity. The Public needs to see that something is being done about the scandal. Makerere has since instituted a probe which commendable but action on findings of the problem is all that is left for this crisis to stop. This actually reduced coverage. Makerere has not fully explained their examination process to the public despite the scandal. PR machinery needed to unveil more image building strategies to restore academic integrity. Makerere should fully communicate mechanisms in place to check on sex-for-marks and money-for-marks allegations. Parliament has since ordered a Makerere degree probe.
- KCCA closed Arirang over hygiene concerns
Arirang Hotel and Restaurant was closed on over unhygienic issues by KCCA. Arirang’s reputation was also affected.Ms Yang Jing Li, a manager at the restaurant, claimed that someone was targeting their business and denied KCCA allegations. At least the restaurant had a word to say.
- Minister cries during a school event in Mpigi
Local media reported about Minister Kyambadde who cried publicly during a school fundraising ceremony. It was a crisis for government as it was projected as a failure. A serving Minister crying takes away hope from the locals. The Crying incident angered local NRM leaders as reported by local media. Local leaders demanded an apology from her. The Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Kyambadde cried because she was touched by the plight of the local people. Her tears did not go to waste. They at least created awareness about the plight of the people in that area. She should be credited for the sincere act. She did not highlight the source of her tears well to the media clearly which would have impeccable results. Some sections of social media referred to the incident as shameful.
Ivan N. Baliboola
PR & organizational diagnosis specialist
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, organizational 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)
Disclaimer
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. The writer assumes no responsibility for contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.
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