Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) has inked a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to supply Ugandan missions abroad with the nation’s iconic gin, Uganda Waragi, as well as other locally produced products. This initiative supports the government’s socio-economic transformation agenda, specifically the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda strategy, which aims to enhance export trade and stimulate domestic production.
During the signing ceremony, UBL Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo welcomed the agreement, noting that it underscores the public sector’s commitment to collaborate with the private sector in promoting the manufacturing industry both domestically and internationally. He highlighted that the partnership presents an excellent opportunity for UBL to showcase authentic Ugandan brands on a global stage while generating economic benefits for both Uganda Breweries and the government. Additionally, Kilonzo pointed out that the alliance is set to spur trade, boost industry, and contribute to the growth of Uganda’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Under the terms of the five-year partnership, Uganda Breweries—the country’s leading manufacturer of alcoholic beverages—will provide designated sampling products on a quarterly basis for use in stakeholder and diplomatic engagements. This arrangement will allow UBL to brand and exhibit its products at events held by Ugandan missions and at headquarters.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, explained that one of the ministry’s core mandates under its Economic and Commercial Diplomacy program is to facilitate bilateral trade and identify new markets for Ugandan products. He emphasized that this collaboration is a crucial step in ensuring Ugandan products are showcased to guests at diplomatic events, thereby generating renewed interest in broader export opportunities. Waiswa further outlined that the ministry’s export-led growth strategy—integral to Uganda’s 10-fold growth plan focusing on agro-industrialization, tourism promotion, mineral development, and science and technology transfer—relies on partnerships such as this one. The MoU also commits the ministry to provide potential investors with comprehensive information on import and export opportunities for UBL products, recognizing the strategic role of major shareholders like Diageo.
