Over 100 Young Creatives Compete for Young Silverbacks Awards

What the report says

More than 100 young creatives in Uganda are competing in the Young Silverbacks Awards, an initiative run by the Uganda Advertisers Association (UAA) with digital marketing agency Nextcom. The programme brings together about 50 teams of students and professionals from the corporate category to pitch creative ideas to a panel of five judges, with the aim of linking emerging talent to jobs in advertising, marketing and related fields.

According to the organisers, the awards were created to close a long-standing gap between creative ability and employment opportunities. UAA executive committee member Francis Kasura said Uganda has strong artistic talent but too few pathways that connect young people to the labour market. He said the competition is meant to help participants show their skills, gain professional exposure and prepare for work in the industry. Nextcom brand manager Joweria Leah Nassaka said the partnership is intended to build a pipeline of young talent, while also offering mentorship and practical industry experience.

The competition also includes projects with wider social themes. One participant, Frank Jaber, said his film entry is designed to encourage Ugandans to visit domestic tourism sites. This suggests the contest is not limited to commercial advertising, but also encourages creative work that can shape public behaviour and promote national priorities.

The awards will conclude on November 7 at Serena Hotel in Kampala, where the top five participants in each category will be recognised. Winners are expected to receive mentorship, possible job offers and other opportunities, which organisers say could help turn ideas into real projects and careers.