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Tag: Uganda Breweries Limited

  • UBL marks 80 Years at the Heart of the Pearl with a National Campaign celebrating Uganda

    UBL marks 80 Years at the Heart of the Pearl with a National Campaign celebrating Uganda

    Anniversary campaign launched on the company’s birthday puts renewed focus on the communities and consumers who built the business over eight decades

    Kampala: Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) today marked its 80th anniversary by launching 80 Years at the Heart of the Pearl, a nation-wide anniversary campaign that celebrates the people and communities that have shaped the company’s journey since its establishment in 1946. Rather than commemorating the milestone with a traditional anniversary event, UBL is using the occasion to reflect on its place in Uganda’s story and reaffirm its commitment to the country’s future.

    At the heart of today’s launch is The Bell Times, a special commemorative newspaper created to tell the story of UBL through the lens of Uganda. Produced in the style of a traditional newspaper, the publication chronicles the company’s eight-decade journey, its economic contribution, its role in sport and culture and the people who have been part of its success.

    The collectors edition is being distributed as a newspaper supplement, inviting Ugandans to engage with UBL’s history in a format that celebrates storytelling and journalism while preserving a record of the company’s contribution to the nation.

    “Our 80th anniversary is ultimately about people. For 80 years, Ugandans have welcomed our brands into their homes, celebrations and communities. This campaign is our opportunity to celebrate that relationship and to reaffirm our commitment to the people who have stood with us throughout our journey. Today, we celebrate our history, but even more importantly, we celebrate tomorrow,” said Felicite Nson, Managing Director, Uganda Breweries Limited.

    Since opening its doors at Port Bell in 1946, UBL has grown alongside Uganda, building one of the country’s largest manufacturing businesses while supporting thousands of jobs across agriculture, hospitality, retail, logistics and distribution. Today, the company works with thousands of local farmers and businesses whose livelihoods are connected to its value chain.

    The anniversary campaign therefore shifts the focus from celebrating past achievements to recognising the people behind them. Over the coming months, UBL will roll out a series of initiatives designed to give back to the communities that have supported the company for eight decades. Under the anniversary campaign, UBL will embark on community projects, recognise the individuals and partners who have contributed to its journey and celebrate Ugandan stories from across the country.

    The brewery is positioning the launch as a turning point for the business, not a retrospective. Company leadership has framed the anniversary year as the start of a renewed relationship with Uganda, one built around giving back at scale and reinvesting in the communities, farmers and partners the business depends on.

    “This anniversary is our way of saying thank you. It is about recognising the communities that have supported us, the employees who have built this business, the farmers who supply us, the customers who choose our brands and the partners who have walked this journey with us. We are proud of the last 80 years, but our greatest responsibility is helping build the next 80,” said Sheila Sabune, Corporate Relations Director at Uganda Breweries Limited.

    As Uganda Breweries marks this milestone, the company remains focused on the future, continuing to invest in local manufacturing, agriculture, communities and the partnerships that have defined its place at the heart of Uganda for eight decades.

  • Oxford Economics Report Shows UBL Supports 100,000 Jobs and UGX 811 Billion in Tax Revenue

    Oxford Economics Report Shows UBL Supports 100,000 Jobs and UGX 811 Billion in Tax Revenue

    Kampala: Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) has released the findings of an independent study by Oxford Economics Africa examining the company’s contribution to Uganda’s economy within the context of Uganda’s alcohol market and evolving excise policy.

    Presented at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, the report examines Uganda’s formal alcohol market, its excise tax framework, the rise of unregulated illicit alcohol, and the broader economic contributions of formal manufacturers across agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and hospitality.

    The study found that UBL supported approximately 100,000 jobs across its value chain in financial year 2024/25. During the same period, UBL supported UGX 811 billion in tax revenue, accounting for roughly 2.7% of the country’s total fiscal collection.

    The report estimates that UBL supported UGX 1.127 trillion in Gross Value Added to Uganda’s economy during F2024/25, equivalent to roughly 4% of national manufacturing output. The company also supported approximately 35,000 smallholder farmers through its local sourcing programmes.

    Despite these contributions, the report highlights a critical structural challenge: illicit alcohol now accounts for 67% of all alcohol (by volume) consumed in Uganda. These unregulated products sell for up to 80% cheaper than legal alternatives, bypassing tax systems and operating outside health and safety regulations.

    The findings also informed a panel discussion involving government, regulators and private sector representatives on the role of excise policy in supporting economic growth and addressing illicit trade.Stephen Asiimwe, Chief Executive Officer of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, addressed these risks directly stating, “Illicit alcohol does not just cost the government revenue, it puts consumers at real risk because there is no oversight of what is actually in the bottle. Every litre that moves from the formal to the informal market is a litre that pays no tax, creates no formal job, and offers no safety guarantee. Closing that gap must be a priority if Uganda is to safely grow its manufacturing base.”

    According to Felicite Nson, the UBL Managing Director, the study was commissioned to provide policymakers with objective data as Uganda reviews its fiscal policies. “The decisions shaping Uganda’s alcohol industry should be guided by credible evidence. This study provides an independent assessment demonstrating the contribution that compliant businesses make to jobs, manufacturing, agriculture and tax revenue. I am optimistic that the report will serve as a practical resource for policymakers designing reforms that protect the formal economy,” she said.

    Representing the government, the Guest of Honour from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Honourable Sanjay Tanna, welcomed the study as an important contribution to evidence-based policymaking: “Too much business in Uganda still runs on assumptions rather than evidence, and no enterprise can scale on guesswork alone. By 2024, UBL’s core operations had added UGX 203 billion directly to Uganda’s GDP, with an additional USh 267 billion flowing through its supply chain and UGX 552 billion coming from downstream trade activity.”

    To secure government revenue, protect consumers, and encourage formal investment, the Oxford Economics report outlines a clear regulatory roadmap. It recommends implementing a multi-year, inflation-linked excise framework alongside maintaining tax incentives for locally sourced agricultural raw materials to protect smallholder farmers’ incomes. The study also calls for stronger regulatory enforcement against counterfeit, smuggled, and illicit artisanal alcohol, combined with harmonized tax structures across the East African Community to curb cross-border smuggling and support sustainable economic growth.

  • Entertainment at its best as Nyege Nyege Festival announces “Nyege In The City” showcasing the best of Jinja City attractions

    Entertainment at its best as Nyege Nyege Festival announces “Nyege In The City” showcasing the best of Jinja City attractions

    Kampala: Africa’s largest music festival, the Nyege Nyege festival slated for the 14th to the 17th of November is returning with a new addition dubbed Afrogalactic Carnival. This year’s edition yet again organized by Talent Africa Group incorporates the new “Nyege In The City” daytime program, seeking to showcase a variety of experiences within Jinja City to deliver a more wholesome uniquely Ugandan experience.

    Doubling as the 9th edition of the festival, the festival will include a new, carefully curated, “Nyege In The City” daytime program with experiences spread across Jinja City, that will include guided tours, fine dining experiences, water-based activities on the Nile and cultural experiences, culminating into the party experience at the festival grounds. This is in place to accommodate the main festival grounds being closed from 8 am to 3 pm for security sweeps to ensure the safety of all festival-goers.

    While addressing the media, festival organizers re-echoed their continued partnership with the Jinja Authority to co-organize the festival fuelled towards driving further socio-economic impact by availing opportunities for various service providers within the city center.

    “As always, Uganda Waragi, the spirit of Uganda is pleased to showcase the best of the Pearl of Africa and the beautiful city of Jinja providing the opportunity to experience our rich heritage, music, culture, food, fashion and all things uniquely Ugandan. We dedicate this edition to unpacking the true Ugandan Spirit with the now limitless Uganda Waragi Lemon and Ginger, a festival staple that represents the dynamic and vibrant consumer at the festival, flanked with coconut and premium at the Uganda Waragi Stage,” said Francis Nyende – the Marketing Manager, Mainstream Spirits at Uganda Breweries.

    With the main evening program taking place at the Jinja Golf Course, the festival grounds have been beautifully landscaped and adapted for the festival while ensuring a condensed and intimate layout, designed to heighten the festival’s energy and create an even more electrifying atmosphere.

    Returning this year is the much-anticipated Dark Star Stage, which will showcase some of Africa’s most daring experimental artists, the Spirit of Uganda Stage which will showcase Uganda’s multiculturalism, the main stage, Hakuna Kulala Stage, the Uganda Waragi Stage, and the return of the Reggae stage headlined by special guest Cali P from Jamaica.

    Derek Debru, the CEO of Nyege Nyege, said, “This edition is keen to highlight the unique value proposition towards the creative and cultural sector in the country by offering a platform for budding creatives to showcase their talent, as well as uniting revelers in the diverse Ugandan culture through partnerships with various regional cultural festivals and dance troupes.

    The festival line-up which includes 10 cultural dance troupes, DJs, and artists from global music houses has been unveiled as the festival draws to a close.

    Once again, Nyege Nyege is partnering with Talent Africa Group to organize the immersive Nyege In The City experience. Aly Alibhai, the CEO of Talent Africa Group, said, “We are closely working with the Jinja City Authorities to bring forth new experiences outside the festival grounds that give revelers a deeper appreciation of Jinja City and Uganda at large. We have taken our due diligence to ascertain safe and the best partnerships with different businesses within Jinja to bring Nyege in the City to life.”

    The first round of this year’s lineup includes performances from within and outside Africa. These include premiers from Teso megastar Patrick Atude, cultural performances from the Batwa Dance Group, Otim Alpha, festival staples-the Burundi Cultural drummers, and special appearances from Soweto’s Legendary selector RMBO, Tash LC, Baccardi house OG Dadaman, French folk pioneer Emmanuele Parennin, Norwegian folk noise artist Stuurle Garland, Nkisi from DRC.

    Adding to the excitement will be performances from social media sensation, Hozambe, Zex Bilangilangi, Pia Pounds, Recho Ray, Kenneth Mugabi, Alidekki Brian, Denesi, and Djs; Alesha, Ssese, Vans, Melvyn Dj, Janja and Faisal.

    Nyege Nyege festival is proudly powered by Talent Africa Group, Nyege Nyege, Uganda Waragi, NBS Plus One, and NRG radio.

    Tickets on sale at https://nyegenyege.com/tickets/

  • Uganda Breweries Limited wins ESG Champion of the Year Award at the 2023 PSFU Gala

    Uganda Breweries Limited wins ESG Champion of the Year Award at the 2023 PSFU Gala

    Uganda Breweries Limited has received the Award in Private Sector Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Champion of the Year 2023 at the Annual Private Sector Award Gala organized by PSFU Uganda.

    The award recognized Uganda Breweries ESG program that has continually promoted and improved the welfare of the communities it which it works in.

    The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) an apex body for the private sector in Uganda, organized its annual Private Sector Development Awards which brought together private sector captains of industry, heads of mission, development partners, and government of Uganda agencies.

    These awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals, business associations, community groups, cooperatives, private companies, and government agencies to the growth and development of the private sector in Uganda.

    Speaking at the Award ceremony, Mr. Stephen Asiimwe, Chief Executive Officer, stated that these awards are meant to recognize and celebrate the individuals and organizations in the private that are working tirelessly to support and grow businesses of all sizes.

    “I commend the various companies that have received awards today and encourage all of you to continue your work which is yielding positive results all over the country,” he added.

    The 2023 Private Sector Development Awards were presented in the following categories; Business Association of the Year and Private Sector Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Champion of the Year.

    Under Community Development Champion; Woman Organization of the Year, Youth Organization of the Year, and lastly, Private Sector Media Personality of the Year.

    UBL’s Approach to Environment Sustainability is divided into three areas; preserve water for life, accelerate to low carbon, and become sustainable by design. Under Preserve Water for Life, by 2030 every drink UBL makes will use 30% less water than today and by 2026 the organization intends to replenish more water than it uses in all water-stressed areas. UBL’s efforts in Environmental efforts are enshrined in the ‘Pioneer Grain to Glass Sustainability’ in which the organization commits to preserving natural resources to tackle climate change to create a more sustainable world. UBL has set a bold target to reach net zero carbon across its operations. With their biomass plant in place, they have reduced half the carbon in their operations already and will remove the rest by switching to renewable energy everywhere they operate.

    On forest cover restoration, in 2019 UBL launched the “Running Out Of Trees” – ROOTs tree-planting campaign by rallying other corporate bodies, government bodies, and the public to raise awareness about the adverse impact of tree-cutting activities on the environment. Together with the Ministry of Water and Environment, UBL set out on an ambitious target to plant 40 million Trees a Year for the following 5 years.

    Under Governance, UBL foundation of its business and its Society 2030: Spirit of Progress; 10-year ESG action plan includes embedding the company’s commitment to business integrity and respect for human rights into the way they work. UBL creates fair and inclusive communities in areas where it does its business. They promote the inclusion of underrepresented groups, including women, young people, and persons with disabilities.

    Currently, four out of eight UBL executives are women, at the most senior level, women make up 44% of the board. As a consumer-driven business, Uganda Breweries takes time to study the market and understand consumer needs and wants as well as how best to satisfy them. They have invested in innovating and renovating their brands to stay at par with dynamic consumer trends.

  • Sheilah Gashumba unveils the new Uganda Waragi limited Edition

    Sheilah Gashumba unveils the new Uganda Waragi limited Edition

    In a stunning turn of events, Ugandan socialite and entrepreneur, Sheilah Gashumba, unveiled Uganda Waragi’s limited edition, Lemon and Ginger.

    This revelation comes hot on the heels off a video that surfaced online, showing Sheilah’s supposed apprehension at Kajjansi Executive Aviation (KEA) for carrying a “suspicious substance.”

    As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, it appears that the much-talked-about airport scuffle was, in fact, a brilliantly executed marketing stunt to introduce this exciting new flavor to the Ugandan market.

    Uganda Waragi Limited (UBL) made a sublte hint on their social media platforms, confirming Sheilah’s claims of their exclusive Lemon and Ginger flavor. The choice to unveil the new product with Sheilah was a strategic one, given her limitless, revolutionary, fun, and open-minded personality.

    It is now clear that the entire incident at Kajjansi Airstrip was a meticulously orchestrated spectacle to build anticipation and intrigue around the launch of Uganda Waragi’s limited edition flavor. The drama left social media abuzz and the public at large in suspense, as they eagerly awaited more information on the nature of the ‘substance.’

    This revelation not only showcases Sheilah’s prowess but also demonstrates the creativity and innovation of Uganda Waragi Limited in capturing the public’s attention. It’s safe to say that the limited Lemon and Ginger flavor will undoubtedly make a significant splash in the market over the coming year.

    As the dust settles on this captivating saga, it’s evident that the future of Uganda Waragi’s Lemon and Ginger flavor seems as exciting. Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible journey of marketing ingenuity and intrigue!

  • Uganda Breweries Limited hands over 10 boreholes worth UGX 307m in Teso sub-region

    Uganda Breweries Limited hands over 10 boreholes worth UGX 307m in Teso sub-region

    Kapelebyong: Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), has handed over 10 hand pump boreholes worth UGX 307m to communities in the North Eastern Uganda sub-region of Teso, that will serve 4,800 people in districts of Kapelebyong, Katakwi and Bukedea.

    The boreholes were officially received by the Kapelebyong District LCV Chairman together with the Mr. Salim Komaketch who represented the Minister of State for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang during a ceremony held at Angopet Olilia B village, Okungur Sub-county, Kapelebyong District Village, Lyalakwe Parish in Kapelebyong and attended by several Members of Parliament, Chief Administrative Officers and other Local Councillors on Wednesday.

    The Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Ogwang Peter, who was represented by the Soroti District Resident Commissioner Salim Komaketch said that Teso has long faced challenges related to water scarcity, adding that many communities have had to rely on unclean water sources – leading to health issues and affecting overall community well-being.

    Damon Ansell, the Director of Corporate Relations for Africa at Diageo hands over completion report to Salim Komaketch, the RDC Soroti who represented Minister Ogwang

    “This project stands as a testament to the positive impact that responsible corporate initiatives can have on society. As the Teso sub-region embraces this transformative change, the hope is that other organisations will be inspired to undertake similar efforts, ultimately leading to a brighter and healthier future for all Ugandans,” he said.

    During the handover ceremony, Damon Ansell, the Director of Corporate Relations for Africa at Diageo – UBL’s parent company – said that the business supports programs that improve the communities within which they operate all over the world.

    “Our commitment to sustainability is outlined by our Society 2030: Spirit of Progress agenda – which is a global programme through which we work to create a more inclusive and sustainable world. One of the ways we do this is by supporting initiatives that preserve and replenish this critical resource, particularly in water-stressed areas.”

    Like several sub-Saharan countries, Uganda faces the challenge of a growing number of people who have limited or no access to safe drinking water, which calls for concerted efforts from different stakeholders to address.

    According to Water.org – a global non-profit organization working to bring water and sanitation to the world, out of Uganda’s population of 45 million people, 38 million people (83% of the population) lack access to a reliable, safely managed source of water and 7 million people (17%) lack access to improved sanitation solutions.

    On a continental level, according to World Bank data, about 387 million people lived without access to basic drinking water services in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020, up from 350 million people in 2000.

    Suleiman Juliana Kagwa,Ngodi, UBL’s Corporate Relations Director,s Sustainability and Communications Manager emphasised the company’s commitment to the well-being of the communities within which it operates. He said that access to clean water is not just a basic human right but also a fundamental necessity for the growth and prosperity of any community.

    “Access to clean and safe drinking water remains a significant challenge in Uganda, and while there have been improvements in recent years, a substantial portion of the population – particularly in rural areas – still lacks access to clean water and sanitation facilities. By providing this vital resource, Uganda Breweries Limited has taken a commendable step towards empowering the people of Teso and enabling them to lead healthier and more productive lives,” Ngondi Juliana stated.

    UBL has so far invested over UGX 20 billion in water and sanitation projects across Uganda benefitting over 2 million people.
    Some of the projects include a UGX 335 million piped water supply system in the Buwali sub-county of Bududa district that has benefitted over 2,000 residents, the construction of 37 boreholes in the Acholi sub-region and the implementation of a UGX 1 billion water and sanitation project in Bulangira, Kibuku District in partnership with Water Aid Uganda.

    Similarly, in 2022, UBL commissioned 20 boreholes estimated at UGX 560m to communities in the Northern and North-Eastern sub-regions of Lango and Teso that have since benefitted over 9,000 people in the districts of Oyam, Lira, Kapelebyong, Katakwi and Bukedea.

  • Brewing Farewell: Uganda Breweries Says Cheers to Former Board Chairman Japheth Katto

    Brewing Farewell: Uganda Breweries Says Cheers to Former Board Chairman Japheth Katto

    Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) on Thursday hosted a glittering event that combined glitz and glamour as they bid a fond farewell to their former Board Chairman, Japheth Katto, also known as Chief, who has been at the helm of the organization since 2018.

    The farewell soirée, attended by industry leaders, stakeholders, prominent figures, and the diplomatic community was a night to remember as the company celebrated Katto’s remarkable contributions and leadership during his tenure.

    The event, held at Kampala Serena Hotel, was a fusion of sophistication and nostalgia. Guests were treated to an exquisite evening filled with Johnnie Walker experience, toasts, tributes, and entertainment, creating an atmosphere that was truly electrifying.

    Katto’s journey with UBL was not just a corporate one; it was a partnership that brewed success. Under his guidance, the brewery achieved remarkable milestones, including becoming the third biggest taxpayer in Uganda, contributing hundreds of billions to the Government in terms of taxes.

    His visionary leadership and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the company’s legacy.
    As the night unfolded, guests reminisced about Katto’s time at the helm, sharing anecdotes and stories that highlighted his impact on both the company and the broader business landscape. It was a poignant moment when Katto himself took the stage to express his gratitude and share his own reflections on the journey.

    Entertainment was not in short supply either, as the evening featured performances by renowned Janzi Band, and poetry artists, adding a touch of showbiz glamour to the farewell event. The music, dance, and laughter filled the air, making it an unforgettable night.
    The farewell to Japheth Katto marks the end of an era at Uganda Breweries Limited, but it also signifies a new chapter of ushering in Jimmy Mugerwa as the new Board Chairman. in the company’s history.

    Mugerwa in his remarks said that UBL looks forward to building on what Katto established continuing to innovate, and setting new standards in the brewing industry.
    In this blend of glitz and glamour, Uganda Breweries celebrated a man who not only chaired their board but also became a symbol of leadership and success. Japheth Katto’s legacy will undoubtedly linger on, inspiring the future of the brewing industry in Uganda and beyond.

  • 200 beneficiaries graduate from Uganda Breweries Learning for Life program

    200 beneficiaries graduate from Uganda Breweries Learning for Life program

    Silver Springs Hotel, Kampala; A total of 200 youths have graduated from Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL)’s Learning for Life program which is in partnership with Diageo Bar Academy, Light for the World, and Enterprise Uganda.

    Through this program, the youths have been trained and equipped with business and hospitality skills which increase their chances of finding employment in the hospitality industry in order to improve their livelihoods.

    (Centre) Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa, Permanent Secretary in the Uganda Ministry of Trade, Industry & Cooperatives and Andrew Kilonzo, Uganda Breweries Limited Managing Director take a group photo with some of the 200 graduands from the Learning for Life program that equipped them with hospitality and bar skills to make them more marketable as they look for employment

    Uganda Breweries Society 2030 sustainability action plan aims at a sustainable and inclusive world by 2030 for all to create a purpose-driven business that succeeds in the long term.

    Their commitment to inclusion and diversity is to ensure 50% of beneficiaries from the brewery’s community programs are women and that these community programs are designed to empower underrepresented groups in various communities.

    Unlike the previous years, a lot of focus was put on women and persons with disabilities because with the already existing burden of income inequality, women and persons with disabilities continue to face many barriers in society and this puts them at a greater risk of poverty due to limited negotiating power to acquire employment.

    Among the 200 in this year’s intake, 50% were women and 10% persons with disabilities.

    Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Managing Director of Uganda Breweries, Andrew Kilonzo noted that the level of unemployment in Uganda continues to be a great challenge among the youths and so many interventions such as these are necessary to equip youths with skills that will make them employable.

    “Youth unemployment in Uganda currently stands between 64% and 70%. Every year about 400,000 young Ugandans come onto the job market to compete for approximately 52,000 available formal jobs each year. About 30% of the youths who are institutionally qualified in Uganda are unable to find jobs, this situation is worse for semiskilled and unskilled youths. So as UBL, we strive to equip youths with marketable skills to prepare them to transition into employment or business,” Kilonzo said.

    At the ceremony, Geraldine Ssali, the Chief Guest commended Uganda Breweries together with its partners for the role they are playing in empowering youth around the communities of their operation.

    She also challenged the graduands to remain open-minded in order to learn as much as possible in their respective fields of speciality. In his remarks, he further noted that they need to embrace the challenges that lie ahead and seize every opportunity in order to expand their skill set.

    “Stay curious, be open to new experiences, and never stop learning because graduation is not the end of your learning journey; it is only the beginning. The more you invest in your personal and professional development, the greater your potential for success. The hospitality industry is ever-evolving, and it requires individuals who are adaptable, innovative, and committed to continuous growth. Always be open to new experiences, and never stop learning,” said Ms Ssali.

  • UBL’s iconic brand Johnnie Walker to headline the 98th Rotary District conference celebrations – UGX 150m sponsorship package announced

    UBL’s iconic brand Johnnie Walker to headline the 98th Rotary District conference celebrations – UGX 150m sponsorship package announced

    Kampala; Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) though the Iconic brand Johnnie Walker has announced a sponsorship package of UGX 150 million to the Rotary’s 98th District Conference, slated for 27th to 29th April 2023 in Mbarara District.

    UBL are thrilled to be the exclusive alcoholic beverage sponsor for the upcoming conference, headlining with our iconic brand, Johnnie Walker.

    Speaking at the event to announce the partnership, Emmy Hashakimana the marketing and Innovations Director Uganda Breweries Limited spoke of the synergies between the two organisations, Uganda Breweries and Rotary as the motivation for the sponsorship stating that Rotarians are known for their selfless volunteering the world over, contributing to various causes like water and sanitation, vaccination, the environment, among others, areas which UBL has also exhibited stewardship through the years.

    “Our decision to facilitate this conference was a challenge to consider service above self that Rotary embodies. We believe that a successful conference facilitating a meeting of great minds will continue to further the great work that Rotary does in communities here in Uganda and around the world,” he said.

    UBL already has existing partnerships with Rotary, like the ongoing 5 year 205 million partnership aimed at restoring Gangu and Nawandigi Forest Reserves in Mpigi District and other forest reserves within Lake Victoria catchment areas, in conjunction with National Forest Authority. This is made possible because UBL commits 1% of annual post-tax revenue to support the needs of communities through social causes like replenishing the environment, sanitation, boosting capacity of farmers to provide grain through the UBL Local Raw Materials program and the Alcohol in Society Agenda that pushes the responsible consumption of UBL products.

    The Governor Rotary District 9214 Peace Taremwa applauded UBL for the support, saying it will go a long way in ensuring the success of the event. He explained that during District Conferences, Rotarians celebrate and evaluate achievements within the Rotary Year.

    “We shall be evaluating our achievements in the Rotary Year that began in July 2022 and will be ending in June 2023. There will be medical camps and other charity activities,” said Taremwa.

    At UBL, we believe that success comes from partnerships and collaboration, and we are proud to be partnering with the Rotary community- said Emmy Hashakimana the UBL Marketing Director.

    He further noted that Rotary is known for building great social capital in the way it brings people from various walks of life together, UBL is known for facilitating great social occasions, with Uganda Breweries products being at the heart of momentous celebrations, everyday, everywhere. “At the same time, we continue to advocate for meaningful and moderate consumption of our products,” he said.

  • Uganda Breweries Limited Commissions UGX 39.9 Billion Production Line

    Uganda Breweries Limited Commissions UGX 39.9 Billion Production Line

    Port Bell, Luzira: Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) has commissioned a UGX 39.9 billion production line that will increase the brewer’s production capacity to 30,000 330ml Bottles Per Hour and 25,000 500ml Bottlers per hour averaging Best – in Class efficiency of 94%.

    The new line which is manned by at least 65% women will supplement a UGX 44.4 billion state-of-the-art bottling line that was launched in 2010 that doubled the production capacity of the beer bottling plant.

    The commissioning was presided over by a delegation from the Ministry of Finance led by the State Minister of Finance for General Duties – Hon. Henry Musasizi, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury – Ramadan Ggoobi and Moses Kagwa – the acting Director of Economic Affairs.

    While addressing guests and the media during the commissioning, Andrew Kilonzo – UBL’s Managing Director – said, “As a 76-year business, this milestone stands as a testament to the fact that our quality Ugandan products – made from quality Ugandan inputs – are well-received in the country and the region, which translates into our growing impact on the lives of the over 38,000 farmers and over 200,000 farmer households that supply the raw materials that feed our production processes.”

    He added that the line averages a Best-in-Class Efficiency of 94% and that despite the increased demand for UBL’s products, the brewer continues to promote a culture of responsible consumption of adult beverages through campaigns targeted at promoting moderation, dissuading drink driving in the strictest terms and also ensuring the communication of zero tolerance to underage drinking.

    The new line brings UBL’s total capital expenditure in Uganda to over UGX 7.8 trillion since the brewer commenced operations in 1946, and it has since grown to become one of the country’s top 5 taxpayers contributing atleast UGX 430 billion in taxes annually. While addressing guests, Hon. Musasizi hailed UBL for believing in Uganda’s economic potential by increasing its investments in the country.

    “Uganda Breweries and the larger hospitality industry have been instrumental in the economic recovery of the country following the COVID-19 pandemic. New investments like these give us more hope in the full recovery of the manufacturing sector and are evidence that the Ugandan economy is sound as evidenced by the trust and appetite of investors like these.”

    Uganda’s manufacturing sector has the potential to drive the country’s post-COVID recovery through the government’s encouraging the uptake of local raw materials to promote local manufacturing towards import substitution and export promotion. Output from Uganda’s manufacturing sector was $6.66B in 2021 – a 12.15% increase from 20201, and the sector employs more than 1.3 million people, contributing 18.6% of the nation’s GDP, 19% of the total exports and 14% of the tax revenue collections

    Japheth Katto – UBL’s Board Chair, thanked the Minister and the Ministry in general – for maintaining an open-door policy with the private sector that encourages dialogue and collaboration towards contributing to the country’s economic growth.

    “As a company, we have shown our commitment to growing with Uganda through being a diligent taxpayer, employing thousands of people in transport, distribution, processing, manufacturing and so on, and we thank your ministry and the government for creating a favourable climate for business all towards realising the immense potential that lies within Uganda,” he said.