The Facility will ensure that over 5,000 barley farmers in Kween, Kapchorwa and Bukwo Districts have access to a safe storage facility to maintain the quality of their barley and mitigate post-harvest loss.

Speaking during the official opening of the plant at Cheminy, Adu Rando, the Managing Director, Nile Breweries, said that the plant will provide storage facility to over 5,000 barley farmers in the region. “The drying and cleaning plant has the capacity to store and process over 250 metric tonnes of barley daily. Its opening reaffirms our commitment to supporting our local farmers to maximize their yields and reduce post-harvest losses while also ensuring quality control and convenience.”

According to Adu, Nile Breweries buys over 8,000 metric tons of barley from farmers in Sebei region annually. Currently, farmers have been practicing open-air; they spread their barley out in the sun for several hours and days which has led to loss of the quality of their produce. According to the brewery, over 35% of the barley collected from the farmers goes to waste.

“We are committed to sourcing the highest quality barley for our beer production,” noted Adu “With the drying plant, farmers will now dry, clean, and store their barley in perfect condition at the facility straight from their farms, this will accelerate the drying process without altering the quality of the grain.”

Chelogoi Geoffrey, the LC5 District Chairperson, Kween lauded Nile Breweries for supporting farmers in the region noting that the farmers will now increase their barley production since the plant will solve the high moisture challenge that they have been facing.

Nile Breweries uses homegrown barley, sorghum, maize and cassava to brew its beers. Currently, the brewer has contracted over 25,000 farmers in Northern, Eastern and South-Western Uganda and purchases produce worth UGX 109.3 billion annually from local farmers.

According to Joseph Luzinda, Agricultural Services Manager, Nile Breweries, the harvesting period in Sebei region coincides with the rainy season which has been impacting the quality of barley and leading to post-harvest losses. “Our farmers put a lot of effort in growing top quality barley, this plant will ensure that their efforts do not go to waste, and they can now focus on growing, knowing that they now have a ready and easily accessible drying facility” noted Luzinda.

The Katukiro Dr. Muvawala thanked Nile Breweries for the ongoing partnership with the kingdom and the support for the royal wedding. 

Being the official beer partner for this historic occasion is an honour for Nile Breweries, which further demonstrates its dedication to promoting national cohesion and Uganda’s rich cultural legacy. 

“No better opportunity encapsulates our motto #AFutureWithMoreCheers than the royal wedding. There exists a unique bond between the Busoga Kingdom and Nile Breweries’ flagship brand, Nile Special-River Nile, an essential component of Busoga, served as the inspiration for the brand’s tagline, “brewed from the source,” noted Emmanuel Njuki the Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at NBL  

Nile Breweries, through its brands draws a lot of pride in supporting and celebrating the various aspects that define us, as Ugandans, of which our respective varying cultures are key. 

The Royal wedding ceremony between Kyabazinga of Busoga His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV and Inhebantu Her Royal Highness Mutesi Jovia is slated on the  18th November 2023 at Christ Cathedral Bugembe in Jinja City.

The Global Beer Responsible Day puts to the spotlight on responsible alcohol consumption while shining a light on Nile Breweries’ purpose to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. It is an annual commitment by AB InBev, our parent company, to foster the smart drinking culture beyond our company walls and out into the communities we live and work across the globe. 

Speaking during the launch event of the campaign at the Mbarara plant, Emmanuel Njuki, the Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at NBL stated that the campaign seeks to speak to the power of beer as a drink of moderation whilst highlighting the benefits of practicing Smart Drinking.  

“As Uganda’s market leader for beer, we are committed to promoting responsible enjoyment of our beverages and accelerating the reduction of harmful consumption of alcohol in Uganda,” said Njuki. “We want every experience with our brands to be a positive one and a big part of that is through helping customers make smart choices while enjoying our products,” 

Nile Breweries Limited hosted a bar activation at Luxor Bar & Restaurant in Mbarara to sensitize and educate consumers on how to “Enjoy like a Boss” by championing moderation. 

We are championing a world where Smart Drinking is the norm and is an important example of our ability to create a Future with More Cheers. At AB InBev, we believe that every experience with 

beer should be a positive one. 

Be a champion! 

• Discourage underage drinking and alcohol consumption by pregnant women 
• Discourage drunk driving. 
• Discourage intoxicating practices, such as binge drinking. 

Remember! 

• A Boss knows moderation is key to savoring the moment 
• A Boss is a master at alternating between beer and non-alcoholic drinks. 
• A Boss knows food always pairs great with Beer 
• A Boss knows a six-pack is best shared with friends 

Being a Boss means enjoying with moderation! 

Enjoy like a boss. Here is to a future with more cheers!

In partnership with key South African businesses in Uganda and key local institutions, we held a Uganda-South Africa Trade and Investment Summit to support the Uganda government in attracting foreign direct investment.  

The Trade Summit marked a significant milestone in promoting trade and investment opportunities between Uganda and South Africa and provided a platform for discussions, partnerships, and a shared vision for the future of trade and investment between Uganda and South Africa. The two-day summit themed “Accelerating Uganda-South Africa Trade & Investment,” focused on agriculture, energy, and tourism sectors.  

Speaking at the summit, Nile Breweries Managing Director, Adu Rando, highlighted some of the impacts that have been realized through Nile Breweries’ collaboration with South Africa. “We have been working with our South African experts to develop the capability to grow quality barley. Over the last 5 years, we have directly trained, financially empowered, and digitally included over 20,000 farmers. In 2022 alone we trained 10,000 farmers,” he said. 

The President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni graced the ceremony as the guest of honour. He encouraged investors to come to Uganda and tap into the various opportunities availed by the government. “We link up as Africa and work together,” he said. He appreciated the role of the private sector, urging players to continue to invest in the economy. “You can’t have underdeveloped services in an underdeveloped economy. You’re cheating yourselves, because you’d earn more if the economy were developed,” he remarked. 

We have collaborated with South African experts to boost barley farming. Over the last five years, we have trained and empowered 20,000 farmers. In 2022, we tripled barley yield per farmer. 

According to the statistics from the Bank of Uganda, the value of Uganda’s exports to South Africa continues to grow albeit at a slow pace doubling to US$ 21.24 million in the past 10 years up to 2022. However, the value of South Africa’s exports to Uganda decreased from US$ 251.6 million to US$ 127.6 million during the same period. 

According to Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda’s exports to South Africa include cotton, gold, fish fillets, tobacco, coffee, and fresh flowers. On the other hand, South Africa’s exports to Uganda include machinery, vehicles, plastics, chemicals, electronics, parts and accessories, petroleum, live animals, books and newsprint, textiles, footwear, aircraft, and household goods. 

We were honored to be a part of this platform dedicated to fostering more robust trade and investment bonds between Uganda and South Africa. We showcased our commitment to Uganda’s growth and international partnerships.  

Here’s to a future of thriving trade relations and investment opportunities.

The second edition of the Uganda Economic Forum, held under the theme “Business Growth in the Post-COVID Era,” proved to be a vital platform for discussing critical issues surrounding business expansion. It covered a wide array of topics, including government strategies for fostering business growth, avenues for financing, digital transformation, and methods to empower small businesses. 

Over five days, the event was broadcast live on NBS TV, featuring panelists from diverse sectors sharing their insights on economic growth and transformation. 

Adu Rando, the Managing Director of Nile Breweries, highlighted the resilience of the beer sector and credited the government’s support for driving industrial growth post-COVID. He stressed the positive collaboration between the private sector and the government as a key factor behind the sector’s impressive progress. 

To inaugurate the Uganda Economic Forum, Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary for the Ugandan Ministry of Finance, underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to facilitating business growth, regardless of the challenges posed by the pandemic. 

On Day 2, Onapito Ekomoloit, NBL Board Chairman, emphasized the significant role of women in the NBL farmers’ value chain, revealing that up to 40% of the contributors are women. He detailed how NBL has empowered women in agribusiness and strengthened the connection between farmers and end-users. 

Emmanuel Njuki, Legal and Corporate Affairs Lead at Nile Breweries raised concerns over the prevalence of illicit alcohol, accounting for nearly 65% of alcohol consumption in Uganda. He also discussed Nile Breweries Limited’s transformation of farming communities from subsistence to commercial agriculture, a significant contribution to the nation’s economic development. 

Notably, Nile Breweries Limited has led the Uganda Economic Forum for three consecutive years and expresses gratitude to its partners. These include the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Development Bank, and NBS Television. 

The event’s sessions covered various vital topics, including post-COVID business growth, opportunities for women in agriculture and access to financial credit, the role of domestic tourism in Uganda’s hospitality sector, IT, innovation, creative arts, and the continuing journey of post-COVID business growth.  

You can watch the full discussions for each day on their respective topics. 

DAY ONE: Growing businesses in the post-COVID era.

DAY TWO: The opportunities for women in the Agricultural sector and access to finance credit.

DAY THREE: The role of domestic tourism in the recovery of Uganda’s hospitality sector: change to untapped opportunities.

DAY FOUR: IT, Innovation, and Creative Art

DAY FIVE: Growing Businesses in the Post-COVID Era. 

This exceptional recognition highlights Nile Breweries’ commitment to fostering a culture of engagement, performance excellence, and autonomy within our teams.  Jinja Maltings demonstrated outstanding dedication, surpassing excellence, and a strong sense of unity among team members. Their remarkable performance not only exemplifies their incredible capabilities but also showcases Nile Beweries’ unwavering commitment to nurturing a culture of empowerment and growth. 

As part of the Nile Breweries family, Jinja Maltings has not only set a benchmark within our own operations but has also emerged victorious among tough competition from breweries and vertical operations across the entire African continent. 

This achievement stands as a testament to their hard work and showcases the extraordinary potential that lies within our Nile Breweries community. 

We firmly believe that such accomplishments are a reflection of our shared values, collaborative spirit, and unyielding pursuit of greatness. 

Jinja Maltings’ success reinforces our commitment to continually nurture a workplace environment that inspires growth, innovation, and the collective success of all our teams.

In a bid to accelerate financial literacy and inclusion among barley farmers in Kabale and Rubanda Districts, Nile Breweries Limited equipped over 1,000 farmers in the region with financial literacy skills. 

The training carried out under the theme “Financial Empowerment of Farmers” saw farmers across Kabale and Rubanda districts undergo training in financial planning, budgeting, investment, bookkeeping and saving and credit management skills to enable them to manage and grow their farming businesses. 

Speaking during the training, Emmanuel Njuki, the Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at NBL noted that the training is part of Nile Brewery’s objective to improve the farmer’s standard of living. 

“We depend 100% on the farmers for barley, by financially empowering our farmers, we want to ensure that the crop is profitable for them and that the proceeds are well invested,” Njuki said “Empowering them with financial skills such as budgeting, investments and how to access credit ensures that they are better placed to access better financing to grow their farming businesses. 

Bob Mutegeki the NBL Agriculturist Team Leader- South Western region noted that the financial literacy training is also geared towards ensuring that the farmers have increased access to credit facilities. 

“We work with over 1,800 farmers in South Western region Kabale, Rubanda, Kanungu and Kisoro Districts who supply barley to the brewery. We have helped the farmers in this region form Village Savings and Loan Associations and savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs) and linked them to banks to access credit facilities,” Mutegeki noted. 

“The farmers are using these savings groups to borrow loans among themselves at affordable interest rates.” 

“Our intention is to support local farmers in Uganda by creating a ready market for their produce. Our agriculture sustainability goal is to have 100 percent of our direct farmers skilled, connected and financially empowered by 2025.” 

During the training, farmers received knapsack sprayers and protective gear like gumboots and overalls to help improve the quality and quantity of barley production.

Nile Breweries Limited was honored to partner and participate in the second edition of the annual #SaveRiverRwiziMarathon23, held on Sunday, 30th July, at the Golf Course playgrounds in Mbarara District.  

The run was aimed at raising funds to combat the numerous degradation threats facing River Rwizi. Key among these challenges is plastic pollution, which has been identified as the biggest challenge in the river’s ecosystem. 

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Njuki Emmanue, the Legal and Corporate Affairs, Nile Breweries lead appreciated the collaboration of all partners, stakeholders, and communities that made the marathon a success. 

“As a business, we are happy that this marathon brings us together as manufacturers, corporate entities, government agencies, local authorities, civil society organizations, environmentalists, and youth to collectively address the numerous threats faced in the Rwizi Catchment”, said Emmanuel Njuki. 

In his parting shot, he reiterated the commitment from Nile Breweries to continue supporting and participating in initiatives aimed at conserving the environment. 

As a proud part of Ab InBev, this initiative aligns with Nile Breweries’ sustainability goal of Water Stewardship for securing water access. More than just the number #1 ingredient in our products, water is a critical resource for the health and well-being of every community around the world. The growing scarcity of freshwater resources is not just a material issue for our company; it is a global risk to the economic, social and environmental well-being of our communities. That is why by 2025, we aim to have measurably improved water availability and quality for 100% of the communities in high-stress areas. 

The fight against climate change starts with an individual, and it is our collective effort to save the natural resources we have that counts.

Uganda’s Nile Special has been recognized as the most admired Ugandan brand in the alcoholic beverages category in Africa, as well as one of the top 10 brands doing good for people, society, and the environment in the country. The accolades were announced during the 13th edition of the Brand Africa Awards held at Golden Tulip Canaan Hotel, Kampala this week. 

The Brand Africa Awards aim at recognizing and awarding the most admired brands across the African continent. The awards are based on a survey and rankings conducted by Geopoll, Kantar and Brand Leadership in Uganda, as part of the pan-Africa research across 32 African countries in the continent. 

“This recognition is to the team that ensures Nile Special has that consistently refreshing taste over the years, the team in the trade that ensures a Nile Special is within reach for our consumers and the Ugandan farmers growing quality ingredients for our beer as well as the consumers who consistently choose Nile Special,” said Emmanuel Njuki, the Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) as he accepted the award. 

Nile Breweries uses homegrown barley, sorghum, maize and cassava to brew its beers. Currently, the brewer has contracted 25,000 farmers (15,000 for barley and 10,000 for sorghum) in Northern, Eastern and South-Western Uganda, from whom it purchases produce worth UGX 109.3 billion a year. 

“This recognition is a testament to the effort from our farmers in growing high-quality local ingredients,” Njuki added saying, “100pc of our raw material is locally produced. Our intention is to support local farmers in Uganda by creating a ready market for their produce. Our agriculture sustainability goal is to have 100% of our direct farmers skilled, connected and financially empowered by 2025.” 

Joseph Kanyamunyu the Managing Director Publics Africa, said the awards are aimed at “stirring brand consciousness among company owners, and a constant reminder to them to always improve their products and services because consumers are now their watchdogs.” 

In the realm of exceptional leadership, few stories can match the inspiring trajectory of Onapito Ekomoloit, who recently ascended to the esteemed position of Board Chairman at Nile Breweries Limited (NBL). Having bid farewell to his role as Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs, Onapito’s outstanding accomplishments were celebrated at a grand event held at NBL’s headquarters in Kampala on June 16^th. As the company embarks on a new chapter, Emmanuel Njuki steps into the role of Lead of Legal and Corporate Affairs, ensuring a seamless transition and furthering NBL’s trajectory of success.

The Farewell Event

The farewell event for Mr. Ekomoloit was nothing short of spectacular, a testament to the profound impact he made during his tenure at NBL. He was honoured with special limited edition of brew, Ona Special that graced the occasion. Distinguished guests, including Hon. Musa Ecweru, Hon. Amelia Anne Kyambadde & Hon. Margaret Muhanga, commended his exceptional contributions to the company’s growth and the wider community. Hon. Ecweru lauded NBL for generating employment opportunities and transforming lives while expressing hope for the company to continue expanding its positive impact.

Mr. Ekomoloit’s Journey

The recently launched book, “Tears and Triumph,” chronicles Onapito Ekomoloit’s awe-inspiring journey from an impoverished community in Uganda’s North-Eastern region to national fame. Overcoming personal hardships, including the premature loss of his mother, Onapito displayed unwavering resilience and achieved remarkable success. Initially aspiring to be a lawyer, he charted a different course that led him to become a highly respected journalist, eventually serving as President Yoweri Museveni’s press secretary before transitioning into a distinguished corporate executive role.

Legacy of Excellence

During his 17-year tenure as Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs, Onapito played a pivotal role in Nile Breweries’ development and triumphs. His dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in shaping the company’s trajectory.  Standing out are many CSR projects he initiated such as the Equality Scholarship which caters for 72 students from senior one to the University. Over 30, some of whom attended the event and have since graduated expressed their appreciation for the impact the project has had on their future. As he assumes his new role as Board Chairman, Onapito’s visionary leadership will further elevate NBL, building upon the strong foundation he has established.

Captivating audiences

Beyond his corporate achievements, Onapito maintains a strong connection to his roots in journalism, regularly engaging in Uganda’s media talk shows. His enigmatic nature and humility continue to captivate audiences, making him an influential figure in both corporate and media circles. Readers of “Tears and Triumph” will be moved by the fortitude and tenacity displayed by Ona as he is popularly referred to throughout his life, providing a compelling narrative that inspires and resonates.

Onapito’s journey from a humble background to the pinnacle of corporate leadership is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment. His rise to Board Chairman of Nile Breweries Limited marks a new chapter in both his personal and professional life. As NBL looks to the future, Onapito’s guidance and leadership promise to steer the company towards continued excellence, further solidifying its position as Uganda’s leading beer producer.

We teamed up with #ZeroWasteUg and other key stakeholders in the #BecomeATrashChanger campaign aimed at promoting proper waste management in public areas and communities, consequently protecting the environment. These include Uganda Prisons, Centenary Foundation, SCANIA, NEMA, Balimwezo Foundation and Uganda Junior Rangers.

In his opening remarks, Emmanuel Njuki, NBL Legal and Corporate Affairs Lead highlighted how this initiative aligns with the recently celebrated World Environment which was under the theme of beating plastic pollution. ” We are brewers and beer is 90% water. It’s important to us that the water in the communities is clean because it easily affects our business. Therefore, we have to keep the water sources clean, and also the environment around us,” he said.

Representing Hon. Balimwezo Ronald, Member of Parliament for Nakawa East, Mr Ali Iduma shared that the campaign has come at the right time when the Portbell area is facing a challenge of waste collection. “You couldn’t have chosen a better time for the campaign because it is in line with some of the local campaigns that have been recently organized like procurement of a garbage truck which will be used today,” he said.

As part of the #BecomeATrashChanger campaign launch, the teams participated in a clean-up of Port Bell market and clearing waste along the shores of L.Victoria in Port Bell and surrounding areas. Among the participants were officers from Uganda Prisons led by the Assistant Commander of Prisons – Alex Magola, who expressed his gratitude for being part of the campaign and called upon the public to join the initiative to separate the waste that is polluting the water bodies.

The campaign is not just about donating cleaning equipment but also promoting sustainable waste management solutions tailored to the local context. Speaking on behalf of #ZeroWasteUg, Pamela Adong, the project lead, went on to explain the main objectives of this campaign. “Our core objective is not to give out the items today, rather it is to make sure everyone understands the importance of separating waste from the source. We need people to know that they have to separate their rubbish and place plastic differently from organic waste. Plastic nowadays makes money, and part of the reason why #ZeroWasteUg exists is for us to teach you how to make money from plastics,” she elaborated.

The campaign is expected to spread to other parts of the country. It will include demonstrating proper waste disposal methods and information sessions about the impact of poor waste management on the environment and public health. #NBLSustainability

We invite innovators across the country to apply for the 5th Cohort of the 100+ Accelerator, to contribute towards addressing the world’s sustainability challenges. Entries close on June 30^th. The program, an initiative of our parent company Ab InBev, will offer a pilot funding opportunity of up to US $100,000 (UGX 370M) to successful applicants whose business ideas provide innovative solutions to seven challenge areas.

These include climate action, inclusive growth, smart agriculture, biodiversity, the circular economy, water stewardship, and health & wellness. “The program offers size and scale to passionate entrepreneurs to help bring their solutions to market faster and to achieve the program’s mission: to accelerate the world’s shift towards sustainable solutions and to business the right way, not the easy way,” said Adu Rando, Managing Director NBL during the launch event at our offices in Luzira on Wednesday 24^th . It was attended by the media, some start-up companies and former shortlisted participant Eco Plastile.

Started in 2018, the 100+ Accelerator has over the years focused on start-ups that have a product in the market or are prepared to go to market. It delivers 6 months of remote programming and training to accelerate the collaboration and growth of cohort companies in addition to a pilot/alliance with our partner companies.

Over the last three years, the program has accelerated 70 companies in over 20 countries with 3 implementing currently in Uganda in our Smart Agriculture programme; Banqu, Oko Finance & Agrifriend. Last year 35 Ugandan entrepreneurs applied and Eco Plastile reached the shortlist.

All applicants will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Scoring will be assessed based on the following values:

• Fit with identified sustainability challenges
• Ability to demonstrate traction/product-market fit
• Market expertise and team
• Capacity to carry out the pilot in the selected global zone

Click here to Apply