Shirley… where do I even start? Well, Yo, listen… yesterday the world turned a year brighter, ‘cause a star named Shirley Birungi added another candle to her glow. Not just any star but the kind that burns with passion, kindness, and that unstoppable fire that lights up every room, every team, every soul lucky enough to orbit her world.
Shirley, you ain’t just a Communications Manager at Post Bank Uganda, nor just the Director of Communications at PRAU, nah, you’re the voice that makes PR breathe. You’re the magic behind messages that move mountains. The hard rock of the craft. The queen who eats deadlines for breakfast and serves inspiration for dessert!
I won’t lie, Shirley… I envy the world that gets to see you every day. But I’m grateful, endlessly grateful, that I’ve had a front-row seat to your light. Your passion for PR? Inspirational. Your love for people? Unmatched. And me? I’ve been lucky enough to feel it firsthand.
I remember us at Fireworks Advertising, under brainchild BCW Africa, you, my supervisor, me your little brother in the hustle. You never got tired of correcting, guiding, lifting, and sharpening my game. Even when I slipped, you pulled me up, not with judgment, but with that smile, that sweetness, that big-sis love. You called me “My dearest Benjie” and suddenly the world wasn’t so heavy anymore.
I’ll never forget how you made me comfortable, how you listened to my secrets, how you comforted me when life dealt me ugly cards. You’re not just a leader; you’re a sanctuary. You’re the type of person this world doesn’t deserve, but desperately needs.
See, Arsenal might have your heart on the weekends but every day, you give your heart to people. You care so much it’s unreal. You fight for fairness. You dream in teamwork. You live to see others grow. You don’t just work, you nurture, you mentor, you carry. That’s rare. That’s greatness. That’s Shirley.
May your kindness multiply, your dreams unfold, your laughter echo louder, and your heart receive back tenfold the love you give. Keep flying, queen, ‘cause you’re destined for heights no one can touch.
So here’s my gift, beautiful flowers, zebra, these words. A piece of my heart, spilling out in the only way I can. A reminder that you are extraordinary, that your presence changes everything, and that somewhere in all the chaos, someone sees you, truly sees you, and is endlessly grateful for you.
Happy belated birthday, Shirley. May this year shower you with the same warmth, love, and inspiration that you pour into everyone around you. Keep shining, keep leading, keep loving… and never forget that someone out here is completely, utterly moved by you.
With all my admiration and heart,
Your dearest Benjie.
