Uganda’s top creative minds were celebrated on Saturday night as the Silverback Awards 2025 illuminated the Golf Course Hotel with a glittering gala honouring excellence in advertising, communication, and brand innovation.
Agencies Maad McCann, TBWA\Uganda, and broadcaster GOtv emerged as the night’s biggest winners, taking home multiple accolades across key categories.
Organised annually by the Uganda Advertising Association (UAA), the Silverback Awards brought together creatives, marketers, filmmakers, and industry leaders for an evening of reflection, inspiration, and celebration of Uganda’s thriving creative sector.
GOtv, in collaboration with its agency Maad McCann, dominated the awards, winning Gold in major categories including Digital & Social Media for GOtv Your BFF (Best Football Friend) and Integrated Campaign for Ka Weekie.
The Ka Weekie campaign stood out, earning Gold, Silver, Bronze, and a Craft Certificate, marking it as one of the most celebrated projects of the year. Maad McCann was also named Agency of the Year, while GOtv secured the prestigious Brand of the Year title.
TBWA\Uganda had a strong showing, winning Silver for Father Christmas’ Side Hustle in the Integrated Campaign category, Silver for A Lesson in Ugandan Efficiency 2 in Radio, and Bronze for Gaga Every Day in Effective Creativity.
Their radio work on A Lesson in Ugandan Efficiency 2 further earned Craft Gold and a Craft Certificate, reinforcing the agency’s dominance in audio creativity.
Other major recognitions went to CTA Space Limited for their social good campaign SOLOLOZA ALWAYS, Creatibuzz for their film The Man Who Would Not Listen, which earned both Bronze and Craft Gold, and Pivot Media & Marketing Ltd, which was awarded Bronze for She Walks in Public Relations.
The evening also celebrated individual talent, with Colin Asimwe being named Marketer of the Year, Peter Kazibwe honored as Creative Director of the Year, Denis Kajura recognised as Art Director of the Year, and Robert Kizito taking home the Copywriter of the Year award.
The Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Monica Musenero, praised the transformative power of creativity in shaping Uganda’s global narrative.
She said, "Uganda is the best spot in the world, filled with gifted and brilliant minds. But who will communicate that to the world? Tonight marks a shift in how we approach communication, as we invite creatives to help us amplify Africa's scientific and technological innovations."
UAA Chairman Jasi Rommel reflected on the dedication behind every campaign recognized at the awards, noting, "This event honours the daily grind, effort, and teamwork that fuel creativity, recognising that true innovation begins in the smallest of moments."
The gala was described by organizers as a celebration of the ideas, visuals, and creative stamina that have set this year’s industry benchmark.
“Glamour, inspiration, and excitement fill the air as we honour the creative minds elevating the industry to new heights," the Silverback Awards committee said.
The 2025 edition reaffirmed Uganda’s growing reputation as a hub for creative talent, with agencies and brands committing to raising the bar even higher in the years ahead.