The week-long programme, introduced in late October, was designed as a transformative experience—combining competitions, masterclasses, and thought-leadership sessions aimed at lifting professional standards across East Africa. According to UAA Chairman Rommel Jasi, the initiative is part of a long-term vision to position the region’s brands and creatives on the global stage.

“By drawing inspiration from global benchmarks like The Loeries and Cannes Lions—both of which UAA officially represents in Uganda—we aim to elevate industry standards and equip our community with the creativity and strategic tools needed to meet modern challenges,” Jasi explained.

Among the highlights of Silverback Creative Week was the Young Silverback Competition (November 10–12), a fast-paced challenge targeting creatives aged 30 and below. Participants—including university students, interns, and junior agency staff—were tasked with responding to briefs within 24 to 48 hours, mirroring the pressure and creativity expected in world-class agency environments.

“This competition is a springboard for young professionals to demonstrate their potential and gain industry exposure,” noted Nicole Nyokabi, UAA Secretary General and Chairperson of the Awards Committee

The winners walked away with medals, certificates, and coveted internship opportunities within UAA member agencies and partner organisations.

But the grand finale belonged to the Silverback Awards Gala, where the industry’s top-tier campaigns, brands, and creative minds were crowned for work that set new benchmarks in storytelling, strategic insight, design, and execution.

Silverback Awards 2025 — Campaign & Category Winners

Digital & Digital Crafts

Gold — Social Media & Influencer

GOtv Your BFF (Best Football Friend)

• Winning Brand: GOtv
• Agency: Maad McCann

Integrated Campaign

Gold — Ka Weekie

• Brand: GOtv
• Agency: Maad McCann

Silver — Father Christmas’ Side Hustle

• Brand: Absa Uganda
• Agency: TBWA\Uganda

Radio

Silver — A Lesson in Ugandan Efficiency 2

• Brand: Nile Breweries Limited
• Agency: TBWA\Uganda

Social Good

Silver — SOLOZA ALWAYS

• Brand: ALWAYS
• Agency: CTA Space Limited

Film

Silver — Ka Weekie: The First Visit

• Brand: GOtv
• Agency: Maad McCann

Data & Insight Driven Campaign

Bronze — Ka Weekie

• Brand: GOtv
• Agency: Maad McCann

Design & Design Crafts

Bronze — Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon 2025 Kit

• Brand: Tusker Lite
• Agency: Maad McCann

Effective Creativity

Bronze — Gaga Every Day

• Brand: MTN
• Agency: TBWA\Uganda

Public Relations: Media Relations

Bronze — She Walks

• Brand: Johnnie Walker
• Agency: Pivot Media & Marketing Ltd

Radio & Audio

Bronze — Ka Weekie

• Brand: GOtv
• Agency: Maad McCann

Film & Film Crafts

Bronze — The Man Who Would Not Listen

• Brand: MTN
• Agency: Creatibuzz

Craft Awards

Craft Gold

• Radio & Audio Crafts — A Lesson in Ugandan Efficiency 2
  Nile Breweries Ltd | TBWA\Uganda
• Film & Film Crafts — The Man Who Would Not Listen
  MTN | Creatibuzz

Craft Certificates

• Radio & Audio Crafts — A Lesson in Ugandan Efficiency 2
  Nile Breweries Ltd | TBWA\Uganda
• Radio & Audio Crafts — Why Gamble?
  UNICEF | Maad McCann
• Film & Film Crafts — Ka Weekie: The First Visit
  GOtv | Maad McCann

Individual Honours

• Brand of the Year: GOtv
• Agency of the Year: Maad McCann
• Marketer of the Year: Colin Asiimwe
• Creative Director of the Year: Peter Kazibwe
• Art Director of the Year: Denis Kajura
• Copywriter of the Year: Robert Kizito

Young Silverback Competition Winners (Aligned with Global Young Lions Standards)

The Young Silverback Competition brought together the boldest young thinkers—students, interns, and entry-level professionals—tasked with responding to briefs under tight deadlines. Their ideas reflected fresh perspectives, strategic clarity, and inventive storytelling.

Student Category

• Design: The Aesthetic — 66.06% (Makerere University)
• Digital: Team Meraki — 61.45% (Makerere University)
• Film: Locd & Loaded — 65.86% (Artfield)
• PR: Team Alchemist — 70.44% (Makerere University)
• Print: Outlawz — 60.36% (Artfield)

Agency Category

• Design: Mind Craft — 71.56% (Cocreate)
• Digital: Dream Team — 76.13% (Nomad)
• Marketing: Birdiez — 72.63% (Fireworks)
• Media: Future Cast — 70.31% (Saladin)
• Source:PML Daily