Nelson Kukundakwe
Kampala
Summary
Strategic Communications Specialist with 10 years of experience in public relations and multimedia. Developed and executed impactful communication strategies and campaigns, resulting in increased media visibility and securing 16 key stories. Expertise in photography, videography, and video editing to enhance institutional visibility and stakeholder engagement in health initiatives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Consultant
Living Goods
Kampala
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Developed and implemented communications and advocacy strategy for Living Goods Uganda, aligning messages with Ministry of Health priorities.
- Created policy briefs, toolkits, and position papers to influence decisions of government and partners in community health advocacy.
- Authored thought leadership pieces enhancing executive positioning at major conferences, reinforcing the organisation's reputation in health systems strengthening.
- Supported delivery of five multi-channel advocacy campaigns, including Malaria and HIV/Aids, increasing media visibility by 35% for community health.
- Secured 16 media stories in top outlets, fostering relationships with 15 journalists to enhance public trust.
- Introduced the first-ever health promotion bulletin as a resource for implementing partners and stakeholders.
- Served as key implementing partner for Project Birch on behalf of Ministry of Health.
Communications Manager
ICAP Global Health
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Led formulation and execution of national community mobilization strategy for UPHIA2020/RUPHIA2021.
- Identified, recruited, trained, and supervised 8 regional supervisors and 616 community mobilizers, enhancing grassroots outreach nationwide.
- Developed engaging content and conducted capacity-building initiatives for the regional and national mobilisers.
- Oversaw relations and information flow between ICAP and Ministry of Health Uganda, a key stakeholder.
- Planned, and managed the execution, and oversight of the UPHIA national launch at the Ministry of Health head office.
- Gathered success stories and contributed content to website and social media, publishing informative activity blog posts to engage stakeholders.
- Website: https://phia.icap.columbia.edu/countries/uganda/
Communications Officer
Makerere University, School of Public Health
01.2015 - 05.2018
- Created and implemented a comprehensive communication and mobilization strategy for the project.
- Created and implemented a comprehensive communication and mobilization strategy for the project.
- Boosted survey participation by promoting community engagement initiatives and strategic mobilization efforts.
- Led field coordination, mobilization, and increased public awareness for project activities.
- Led field coordination, mobilization, and increased public awareness for project activities.
- Created work plans and forwarded weekly reports to project coordinator.
- Supervised media production team coordinating visual content projects from initiation to final delivery.
- Website: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/
Media correspondent/Writer/Photographer
The New Vision/Vision Group
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Authored over 240 major news articles and feature stories, emphasizing health and environment topics.
- Pitched, wrote, and refined feature stories related to health, environment, and agriculture.
- Leveraged photography skills to enhance visual elements of publications through impactful photojournalism.
- Held the role of Features Sub-editor (Radio West) and took charge of coordinating internships at Radio West-Vision group.
- Moderated weekend radio programs, ensuring engaging content delivery for listeners.
- Mentored trainees, providing insights and knowledge to young journalists and interns.
- Planned feature story concepts and provided expertise in editing software, including Cool Edit and Sound Booth.
- The New Vision is a media organization focusing on news and feature stories.
- Website: https://www.newvision.co.ug/
Education
Professional Diploma - Public Relations
Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
Kenya01-2022
Masters - Journalism and Communication
Makerere University
Uganda01-2017
Bachelors Arts - Communications and Literature
Makerere University
Uganda01-2012
Project Management Practitioner (PMP) - Certificate
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Pennsylvania 19073, USA (Online)01-2023
Skills
- Public relations
- Media strategy
- Crisis communication
- Digital marketing
- Content development
- Storytelling
- Writing skills
- Project coordination
- Documentation
- AI applications
Languages
Excellent, Excellent, Excellent, Good, Good, Good, Native, Native, Native
References
- M/s. Phionah Katushabe, Global Communications Manager, Living Goods, +256 772036496, pkatushabe@livinggoods.org
- Mr. Mugura Fredrick, Senior News Editor Vision group, 0774 35 90 03 / 0704541844, mugifred@gmail.com
- Dr. David Okimait (Ph.D), Technical Advisor-ICAP Global Health (UPHIA), +256772831723, oakimait@yahoo.com
- Mr. Nuwagira Bob Ambrose, Communications Manager-IGAD, +256701940384, bobuga@gmail.com
Application
03/01/26, Strategic Communications Consultant, Africa Frontline First - AFF
Timeline
Communications Consultant
Living Goods
01.2024 - 01.2025
Communications Manager
ICAP Global Health
01.2019 - 01.2023
Communications Officer
Makerere University, School of Public Health
01.2015 - 05.2018
Media correspondent/Writer/Photographer
The New Vision/Vision Group
01.2010 - 01.2014
Professional Diploma - Public Relations
Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
Masters - Journalism and Communication
Makerere University
Bachelors Arts - Communications and Literature
Makerere University
Project Management Practitioner (PMP) - Certificate
Project Management Institute (PMI)