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Tag: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa

  • CCBA Hosts Uganda Police Fire and Rescue Service Trainees for a Benchmarking activity

    CCBA Hosts Uganda Police Fire and Rescue Service Trainees for a Benchmarking activity

    Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Uganda (Century Bottling Company) hosted Uganda Police Fire Rescue Services Trainees at the Namanve Plant on a benchmarking visit for the security and safety teams to pick learnings from for use nationwide.

    The team, led by AIP Apollo Okolong, Officer-in-Charge of Fire and Rescue Services at the Kampala Industrial Business Park, appreciated CCBA’s well–established systems and procedures for safety at the workplace even before the onset of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

    The team commended CCBA for prioritizing the safety of its employees at all times and for its ‘People First’ approach to its operations.

    ASP Jackson Karuhanga applauded CCBA for its investment in safety systems for emergencies.

    “We thank the management for allowing us to learn, benchmark and familiarize ourselves with fire preparedness and response actions. We have also seen the best COVID-19 and Occupational Safety and Health practices – some of which were not familiar to us. We have learnt a lot and we are grateful. As the Uganda Police we say “Asante sana!” he said.

    Paineto Olweny, Team Leader in charge of Facilities, stressed the importance of emergency preparedness as a key component of employee safety.

    “Our fire preparedness and response measures are based on the risks associated within our operation. We have ensured adequate fire detection and suppression systems. For instance, we keepflammable liquids or chemicals in minimum quantities at working environments but use bulk storage away from buildings and people. We maintain adequate storage of water in reservoirs so that if regular supply by National Water is off, our employees are still comfortable,” he said.

    “Our business prioritizes the safety and health of the employees, contractors and visitors. That is why we have implemented robust COVID-19 protocols to keep everyone safe every day. With the additional support of the Uganda Police Fire and Rescue Services, now that you have seen all this, we shall continue to keep our workplaces and communities safe and free from fire–associated risks,” said Joseph Onyango, Environment Occupational Safety and Health Coordinator.

    Emergency preparedness is very critical in the workplace today; from developing crisis plans and training employees whether it’s a manmade disaster such as fire, emergencies cannot be predetermined.

  • UNBS certifies Sanitizers manufactured by Rwenzori Bottling Company

    UNBS certifies Sanitizers manufactured by Rwenzori Bottling Company

    The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has certified sanitizers manufactured by Rwenzori Bottling Company in addition to already 38 companies producing 43 brands of sanitizers.

    Among these are; Saraya Manufacturing (U) Limited, Hoima Sugar Limited, Movit Products Limited, Kakira Sugar Limited, Mukwano Personal Care Products Limited, Kenlon Industries Limited and Premier Distillers Limited.

    After the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus a global pandemic, it did not take long before COVID-19 became a national emergency, given its impact on the livelihood of the population and economy.


    Globally    , firms have redeployed production lines to boost the manufacturing of needed supplies like masks, hand sanitizers, and other medical supplies. We have seen breweries, perfume factories and others switching over to make hand sanitizers instead.  

    Medical experts have come out to clarify that one of the most effective ways to curb the virus spread is washing hands withwater and soap or using alcohol based hand sanitizer to avoid transferring it through hands contact. In light of this clarification, backed by the President, Uganda Manufacturers Association convened a meeting to discuss how they could step up and respond to the emerging needs. During that meeting, Simon Kaheru, Public Affairs and Communication Manager, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Uganda mooted the idea to interest and encourage UMA members to start manufacturing sanitizers; an idea that was welcomed by the UMA leadership.  Uganda Manufacturers Association then resolved to meet with different stakeholders in the industry and pitch this humanitarian idea.

    However, the demand of sanitizers coupled with panic buying caused an immediate scarcity and also bred poor quality and ineffective sanitizers on the market – some of them lacking the 60% minimum alcohol content required to effectively kill the virus.

    Following an acute shortage of sanitizers on the market, Uganda Manufacturers Association lobbied government through the Minister of State for Investment to waive off Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise duty on certified manufacturers who had channeled their operations to the production of sanitizers. This move propelled the conversion of over 7.3 million liters of alcohol into sanitizers to bridge the shortage. According to Barbara Mulwana, the Chairman UMA, manufacturers readily agreed to support the anti Covid-19 efforts using all means possible. “It was encouraging to see how resilient the members were despite the current circumstance and the impact it had ontheir businesses. Their determination and commitment was reassuring,” she commented, adding that “We were overwhelmed by the responses and as we speak today, we have over 37 companies manufacturing different medical supplies aimed at fighting the COVID-19 pandemic,” she added.

    Following the UMA meeting resolution, CCBA decided to set up the necessary equipment at the Rwenzori Mineral Water facility to start producing sanitizers for use by its retailers across the country and staff which has now been certified by Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). In partnership with Uganda Manufacturers Association and Bestpak manufactures of sanitizer bottles donated 10,000 bottles and together with CCBA will be contributing 2,500 litres sanitizers to the Ministry of Health.

    “We decided to start producing and distributing sanitizers at no cost, with an end goal of reducing the demand on the open market and the pressure that had caused the prices to go up. In our production processes, we follow the WHO guidance on formulations to create effective hand sanitizers,” said Simon Kaheru.

    According to Mr. John Tumwesigye, Trade Marketing, Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager at Movit Products Limited, the presence of covid-19 provided the lead to start manufacturing sanitizers, hand-wash and bacterial soap. “With our Technology capability, we were able to establish new production lines that enhanced the production of sanitizers. We follow the rules and regulations of the standards of UNBS, are certified and have the quality mark. We are the preferred choice of beauty, comfort and care products in every household thus strive to enhance everyday living” he revealed.

    Daniel Birungi, the Executive Director, UMA applauded manufacturers like Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA),  Movit Products Limited and the rest for their life changing innovations that have made a difference and improved lives during these unprecedented times.

  • “In this Together” – The Coca-Cola System and The Coca-Cola Foundation commit approximately USD 17m across Africa in response to COVID-19

    “In this Together” – The Coca-Cola System and The Coca-Cola Foundation commit approximately USD 17m across Africa in response to COVID-19

    Across Africa and in partnership with NGOs, Coca-Cola in Africa, and its bottling partners (the “Coca-Cola System”) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), have been deploying a range of resources, including capabilities, funds and products to support governments, communities and local economies in their urgent efforts to contain the spread and impact of the Coronavirus since its outbreak on the continent.

    The Coca-Cola System is committing US$13million to support the continent through the various phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) has granted just under $4 million to international and local NGOs, such as the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Amref Health to procure and distribute personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other critical needs for frontline workers and to help fund ICU-enabled ambulances for example in Mauritius and Madagascar.

    In Uganda, the Uganda Red Cross Society distributed food relief packages worth Ushs360million to vulnerable households in Mukono District.

    “We have worked with Coca-Cola to respond to emergencies in Bududa and Bundibugyo when the floods swept communities and claimed lives late last year. Coca-Cola came in very quickly and provided lifesaving interventions. When Uganda was threatened by the #COVID-19 Pandemic, Coca-Cola came in very fast to offer lifeline support to the Ministry of Health and Uganda Red Cross to offer infection prevention and control materials, but also food to the most vulnerable affected by the lock down in the country. This is a true demonstration of a humanitarian spirit that drives their work and love for communities they serve,” said Robert Kwesiga, Uganda Red Cross Society Secretary General.

    The Coca-Cola system also donated to National Solidarity Funds in South Africa, Morocco and Djibouti and additional funds were allocated to boost awareness and mobilization to help stem infections in vulnerable communities across several countries.

    In addition to suspending all commercial advertising of its brands and deploying its marketing and trade assets, including social media channels, product labels and point-of-sale materials, to amplify COVID-19 messaging, the Coca-Cola System is providing funding and other forms of support to help bolster the micro, small and medium enterprises in the retail, hospitality and recycling sectors, who have been among the hardest hit businesses across countries. Coca-Cola Company is also working with some NGOs and social enterprises, including Givefood.ng in Nigeria, Gift of the Givers in South Africa and National Disaster Management agencies to provide food parcels for vulnerable families whose livelihood has been disrupted by the lockdown and other restrictions.

    Coca-Cola’s bottling partners on the continent, on their part, are making significant contributions to the fight against the pandemic through a variety of interventions, including lending their distribution capability to help deliver medical supplies, food parcels, 3-D printed face masks and other PPE as well as donating cash, beverage products and food items. In response to the critical need for the hand sanitizer, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda and Ethiopia, Bralima in DRC, Les Brasseries du Congo in Congo, and Nigerian Bottling Company in Nigeria have deployed their technical expertise and facilities to produce over 30,000 litres of alcoholic sanitizer in line with World Health Organization (WHO) standard which were distributed to governments and vulnerable communities free of charge.

    “Our deepest sympathies go out to all those impacted by this virus and their families. We are leveraging on the experience and capabilities the Coca-Cola System has built in over 90 years of serving consumers and making a difference across Africa, in the planning and deployment of our resources to effectively support governments in the efforts to contain the spread, support vulnerable communities and get local economies back up and running,” explains Bruno Pietracci, President of Africa & Middle East for The Coca-Cola Company.

    “Our philosophy is ‘People First’. We believe a business is as strong as the community it operates in that’s why we put the safety of our people first at all times – our employees, their families, our customers and the community. These are challenging times for everybody but if we are not together we cannot thrive or survive. This is a guiding principle in all our operations worldwide,” MelkamuAbebe, the General Manager CCBA Uganda said.

    In some countries such as in Eswatini, Ethiopia, Uganda and Zimbabwe, Coca-Cola in Africa provided its marketing expertise either directly or through its partnership with Project Last Mile, to support Ministries of Health simplify and amplify health and safety messages. Additionally, in Egypt, Coca-Cola decorated its bottles with messages of gratitude and appreciation to every doctor in the country’s“white army”. 

    The Coca-Cola system has leveraged its years of experience in water access, sanitation and hygiene through the Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN) to develop unique emergency handwashing stations (some foot operated, some using jerrycans), which are now set up in high traffic areas, border points and in vulnerable communities.

    “The Coca-Cola system has been through many global crises during our 134 year’s history. Making a positive difference during times of crisis is in our DNA. We are in this together with our communities.  Going forward, supporting micro and small businesses who are the fabric of our communities and the backbone to Africa’s resilience, will be a key priority for us,” added Pietracci.

  • #BeApp Partners with Coca-Cola to Launch Coke Studio Sessions

    #BeApp Partners with Coca-Cola to Launch Coke Studio Sessions

    ATLANTA; #BeApp, a new live music streaming platform, and Coca-Cola have announced the launch of Coke Studio Sessions, an exclusive collaboration featuring a diverse line-up of musical performances for fans to enjoy over 60 consecutive days.

    Live performances from more than 100 artists across the globe,including Katy Perry, Anitta, DJ Khaled, Bebe Rexha, Miguel, Cast of Hamilton and Steve Aoki will begin streaming today to refresh fans one virtual performance at a time and support the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

    Coke Studio Sessions marks the official debut of #BeApp, the social live music streaming platform from tech industry veterans Ray Smith and Ross Mason. #BeApp is an immersive, digital destination for fans to enjoy live music in a new way. Unlike other virtual concert platforms, #BeApp will offer a variety of interactive features, including:

    ● In-App Sharing: Sharing feature will encourage fans to invite friends and family to join them during the livestream.
    ● Currency/Points: By continuously interacting and sharing through the app, fans will earn in-app points and currency that can be redeemed for prizes, functionality upgrades and more.
    ● Prizes and Upgrades: Prizes include upgraded access to “front row seats,” artist shout-outs during the livestream and #BeApp swag.
    ● Front Row Seats: “Front row seats” offer fans a greater digital presence during the livestream, including having the user’s photo and name visible to all viewers.
    ● Donations: Fans will have the ability to make a donation to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to support Covid-19 relief efforts.

    “#BeApp was designed for digital connection through a shared love of live music, and people need that connection now more than ever,” said Ray Smith, founder of #BeApp. “We’re thrilled to have Coca-Cola as our exclusive launch partner as we introduce #BeApp to fans around the world through unique new experiences.”

    The first weekend of streaming included performances from Diplo, Kaskade, DJ Khaled, among others, and kicked off over the weekend. Additional artists will be announced across Coca-Cola and #BeApp social channels.

    “We know that people may feel lonely or isolated as a result of the pandemic, and Coca-Cola remains committed to uplifting the human spirit and fostering connection while we’re apart,” said Ricardo Fort, Vice President, Global Sports & Entertainment, The Coca-Cola Company. “By providing 60 days of live, interactive music content that fans can share and enjoy with others, we hope that Coke Studio Sessions will provide small, daily moments of entertainment for those adjusting to their new normal.”

    Melkamu Abebe, General Manager for Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda (Century & Rwenzori Bottling Companies), said the entertainment app would combine music with public health and a noble humanitarian cause.

    “They say music is food to the soul; if we can use music to support a good cause then it’s a great start, that’s what I would term as killing two birds with one stone. We get to bring you entertainment during this lockdown while raise resources to support a worthy cause for the vulnerable across the world. We are happy to be a part of this partnership,” he said.

    Throughout the 60-day program, fans will have the opportunity to contribute directly to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to support Covid-19 efforts. The Coca-Cola Foundation has donated over $14 million to individual Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world in response to Covid-19 and will additionally match up to a collective total of $3 million in consumer donations made through this program.

    “The American Red Cross is grateful for partners like The Coca-Cola Foundation for stepping up during this difficult and uncertain time,” said Koby Langley, Senior Vice President of International Services for the American Red Cross. “The Coca-Cola Foundation’s contribution supports the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network’s efforts to slow the spread of this disease and alleviate suffering that the pandemic will cause. We are deeply grateful for their generous support during this challenging time.”

    Fans will be able to join the livestreams on #BeApp, which can be downloaded for free on     iOS or Android devices, as well ason Coca-Cola YouTube and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cocacolaUG

    What is #BeApp

    BeApp is a new social streaming platform that democratizes access to the world’s best artists, performances, and music moments live. BeApp brings the world’s most loved artists directly to homes, creating a global virtual living room. Free to download, the app lets you tune into a number of one-of-a-kind immersive experiences you would find at a concert or festival. Founded by tech industry veterans Ray Smith and Ross Mason the platform adds a gamified social layer to live streaming where fans can directly interact, shop, donate, and connect with their favorite artists creating a series of music defining moments with artists such as Katy Perry, Steve Aoki, Skrillex and DJ Khaled.

  • Supporting retailers with tools of trade – Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda amplifies 5 by 20

    Supporting retailers with tools of trade – Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda amplifies 5 by 20

    Lugogo: Today, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda has handed over coolers to women to enable them start businesses in the retail category.


    This year alone, the company has so far received 1851 coolers which are being issued to our customers across the Country, and women in the retail category form a big part of our business and are therefore beneficiaries of this process. This is part of a bigger Coca-Cola initiative called 5 by 20.

    5 by 20 is the Coca-Cola Company`s global commitment to enable the economic empowerment of 5 Million Women entrepreneurs across the Company`s value chain by the year 2020. Women around the World are already pillars of our business system and are part of our Women Economic Empowerment Program.

    In Uganda, this time round, we are focusing on the retail stream of our business. The System’s outlet universe is composed of small general stores, or dukas, small and large grocery stores, local kiosks and larger more formal outlets such as hotels, restaurants and bars. These are approximately 111,000 retail outlets, including retailers that sell Rwenzori Mineral Water products. Dukas are the most common outlets selling our beverages, making up 50% of all outlets in Uganda. Our products are in each of these outlets either in our coolers or dealer owned coolers.

    In Uganda, running successful businesses is mainly a male domain. Through 5 by 20, we address the most common barriers women face when doing business which include;

    • Lack of basic business skills
    • Lack of financial services / assets
    • Lack of access to peer to peer networks and mentorship.

    Through this initiative, we offer women access to business skills training and connections with peers and our Sales executives are always at hand to offer continuous monitoring of the business, this helps in offering the much-needed foundation for building a successful business.

    Today, we are honored to have Madam Joyce Kizza, one of our very own successful Distributors grace this occasion- shewill share with these ladies her story as well as encourage them to work hard.

    While addressing the beneficiaries, Flavia Nabaasa, the Business Development & Commercialization Director CCBA in Uganda said “We have helped to transform the lives of millions of women and thousands of communities by using our core business model to grow and sustain small businesses. This has resulted in increased economic value and business capability for women, communities, and our business system”. I encourage all the beneficiaries to embrace the support and begin your transformation journey, one bottle at a time.

    “We believe there is no better investment than women to spur economic growth and foster sustainable development. Women reinvest 90% of their income in their family and community, so by supporting women, we are building sustainable communities through this ripple effect. Women are not only pillars of the communities we serve but also pillars of our business – up to 86% of small stores are owned or operated by women at a country level. Women are critical to our business success and to our 2020 Vision”, Flavia added.


    In her remarks, Madam Joyce Kizza urged the women to take their businesses seriously. She thanked Coca-Cola for stepping forward to empower women by using practical solutions within their means, which end up not only uplifting families, but the economy as a whole. She cited herself as a good example of what empowerment means.

    Joyce asked Government to consider companies that invest in the growth of the economy while relating cooler distribution to job creation.

  • Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AfriGreen Sustain Company to manage plastic waste in Gulu Municipality

    Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AfriGreen Sustain Company to manage plastic waste in Gulu Municipality

    Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda signed an MOU with AfriGreen Sustain, a waste management social enterprise that is deviating Gulu’s solid waste management sector into an environmentally and economically sustainable model.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony in Gulu, The Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda Public Affairs and Communications Manager Maureen Kyomuhendo said the partnership with Afrigreen Sustain is to enable mobilize the community to become aware of the dangers of plastic waste, as well as encourage the community to turn the challenge into job creation and income generation for the youth. It should be noted that in early 2018, the Coca-Cola Company made a commitment to work towards creating a #WorldWithoutWaste “The Coca-Cola Company and all its bottling partners are leading the industry to help collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one we sell by 2030. We’re working to bring people together to help us collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one we sell” Partnerships such as these bring us closer to our goal.

    Maureen further urged the youths to embrace plastic management as an option to earning a living and a source employment for them.

    On his part, Afrigreen Sustain founder and team leader Peter Okwoko said the partnership will help curb problems of plastic waste in Gulu Municipality which is soon turning into city that will come with increase in population that therefore comes with increase in use of products packed in plastics.

    Okwoko added that the partnership will create employment to the youths in Gulu town. He thanked Coco-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda for the initiative and said their intervention in supporting plastic waste management in Gulu Municipality is timely and they shall work hard to ensure a visible difference in Gulu and the surrounding areas in a short period of time. We call upon other companies to emulate Coca-Cola`s example.

    The biggest challenge with plastic waste management in Uganda is improper disposal mechanism and lack of recycling industries in the country. In Uganda, through Plastic Recycling Industries, an initiative of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, we are working hard to achieve the World Without Waste goal. In 2019, we collected 62% of all the plastic we sold as CCBA.

    It is estimated that at least 600 tonnes of plastics are consumed every day in Uganda and most of them are disposed of in irresponsibly.

  • Rwenzori Bottling Company launches a brand new Plant

    Rwenzori Bottling Company launches a brand new Plant

    Rwenzori Bottling Company Namanve has  today launched a brand new Plant. 

    The new plant is scheduled to produce 24,000 bottles per hour and a creation of thousands of job opportunities to Ugandans.


    The Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Amelia Kyambadde stepped in the shoes of H.E President of republic of Uganda and officiated the grand opening of the plant under the CocaCola Beverages Africa at The century bottling company premises Namanve Mukono District.

    “I am happy that coco cola has invested in social corporate responsibility and the government of Uganda commends the company for the significant investment by investing in recycling of organic plastic bottles, that being the first company to construct a recollection centre since 2010, however more recycling plants need to be planted . Thank u for embracing the Buy Uganda and Build Uganda initiative through purchasing the raw materials and the staff employed ,” She said.

    The President through the minister applauded the company for supporting the local market by focusing on producing local drinks especially because they support our local farmers like the milk product launched last year which supports milk from Ugandan cows and we will support the company.
    Our economy is largely agricultural but in order to modernise it ,we must focus on four sectors ie Services ,ICT ,commercial agriculture and industry and the four must be linked and CocaCola has continued to provide this linkeage with our support.

    To workers here guard your jobs very well, don’t take them for granted.

    Congratulations CocaCola, and I officially launch the New Rwenzori production line .”

    “The USD10million (UGX38billion) investment brings to Uganda the newest bottling line technology out of Germany, by KHS enabling us to innovate further for the increasingly changing consumer demands, ” Conrad Van Niekerk Managing Director Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda.