The first ever Uganda Social Media Awards (SMAs) took place on 15 November 2013 at The Hub, Oasis Mall in Kampala, Uganda.

Social Media Awards 2013 banner.

The objectives of the awards, which were organised by BluFlamingo, were:

The Uganda SMA’s (Social Media awards) is Uganda’s first event that seeks to bring together individuals and organizations that are at the frontline when it comes to using social media for entertainment, change, sharing of ideas, creating communities and talking to customers online.

The awards seek to reward those individuals and organizations that are making a concerted effort to harness the power of social media to engage and build communities online. From avid face-bookers to twitter personalities and passionate bloggers.

This first of a kind event will be held on November 15th 2013 and will bring together not just the digitally aware, but also corporate organizations at the forefront of new media and those who have contributed to the growth of social media in Uganda.

The winners of different categories were:

Best Entertainment website – BigEye
Best Entertainment individual writer – Moses Serugo
Best blogger – Beewol

Corporate – MTN Uganda

News & info company – NTV Uganda
News & info individuals – Songa Stone

Civil service – Kampala Capital City Authority
Best innovation – Matatu
Best customer care – Airtel Uganda

Social justice – Barefoot lawyers Uganda
Crisis management award – National Water and Sewerage Corporation
Best media outlet print – The Red Pepper

Best media outlet radio – Power FM
Best media outlet TV – NTV Uganda
Celebrity – Anne Kansiime

Photography – Echwalu Photography
Best social media campaign – 40 days & 40 smiles
Judge’s choice – Proggie Uganda

The winners were nominated through online public voting and later selected by a panel of five judges.