Mbarara Brewery was crowned the Best Brewery in Africa, an award recognising exceptional performance across Safety, Quality, Volume, and Cost. This recognition affirms the team’s disciplined execution, strong governance culture, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Our 2025 Hall of Fame
Winner: Africa’s Best Brewery, Recognising outstanding performance in Safety, Quality, Volume, and Cost.
Winner: Better World & Environment Leaders, Celebrating our commitment to sustainability, including zero environmental incidents and significant energy improvements through biogas utilisation.
Runner Up: Africa’s Most Improved Brewery, The first brewery in the Africa Zone to achieve both Intermediate and Sustainable VPO maturity.
Runner Up: Delivering the Volume, Achieving the highest volume recorded at the plant since 2013!
Runner Up: Quality Always! Leaders (BOP), for maintaining exceptional quality standards in all aspects of production

These results reflect a high-performance culture built on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

To our frontline teams, technical experts, and leadership at Mbarara Brewery, thank you for proving that when we are Stronger Together, we deliver more cheers to consumers and more value to our communities.
Your dedication is what makes Nile Breweries Ltd a leader in the industry.

Join us in raising a glass to the champions at Mbarara Brewery!

Mr. Mncwabe holds a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership (MBL) from the University of South Africa and is currently advancing his executive education through a leadership program at Hult Ashridge International Business School.

Please join us in giving Mr. Mncwabe a warm welcome to the team! 

NBL sources more than 95% of its raw materials locally, including barley, sorghum, cassava, and maize, to brew its beer. Over the past season, the brewery has supported over 9,000 smallholder farmers per season across Uganda, providing them with access to improved seed varieties, training and a guaranteed market.

Investing in local agriculture directly supports Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP III), which prioritises agro-industrialisation as a pathway to job creation, food security, and export growth. By sourcing raw materials locally and equipping smallholder farmers with improved seeds, training, and market access, the manufacturing sector reduces reliance on imports, boosts rural incomes, and strengthens value chains.

“Here in Uganda, farmers are the foundation of our economy serving as the heartbeat of our communities.” Richard Rwabuhingwa, LC V Chairman, Kabarole District. “By supporting farmers with modern practices, guaranteed markets, and access to resources, farmers are going to yield positive results and grow in sizes and numbers, creating jobs, food security, and prosperity.” creating jobs, food security, and prosperity.”

NBL’s Local Raw Material (LRM) programme is one of Uganda’s largest private sector sourcing initiatives. The programme empowers farmers to cultivate high-quality barley and sorghum, for brewing, while providing improved seed varieties, training in yield-improving practices and guaranteed markets. Special emphasis is placed on inclusion, ensuring that a diverse group of farmers are active participants in the agricultural value chain. These interventions support participating farmers in achieving higher crop yields, improved production efficiency, and ultimately, increased household incomes, thus strengthening both rural livelihoods and local economies.

“Before Nile Breweries trained us, my yields were low, and I often struggled to sell what little I harvested. Now, with better seeds and advice from their field officers, my production has doubled. I have been able to pay school fees for my children and even expand my farm,” said Sophia Bambu, a farmer from Fort Portal.

“One of the biggest challenges facing farmers in the area is unpredictable rainfall, pests, or limited access to mechanisation,” Joseph Luzinda, Agricultural Manager at Nile Breweries said. “Through our Local Raw Material programme, we are working with farmers to overcome these challenges by introducing more sustainable farming techniques and ensuring that every farmer has a guaranteed market for their barley.”

The Fort Portal celebrations also featured farmer recognition awards and a Seed to Sip experience, giving participants a chance to walk through the journey of barley from cultivation to brewing. The event underscored NBL’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and highlighted the work NBL does to support farmers.

“Our beers begin in the hands of farmers. That’s why we work to support farmers in Uganda and around the world by sharing practices that boost yields and reliable markets to sell their harvests,” said Ingrid De Ryck, Global Chief Sustainability Officer at AB InBev. “It’s local partnerships like this that help to create resilient supply chains and stronger communities.”

During the celebration, the brewery honoured the farmers with certificates of recognition in various categories, including Quality Excellence, Best Farmer, and Community Champion Awards. In addition, recipients were presented with essential farming equipment such as knapsack sprayers and protective gear, such as gumboots and overalls, to support and enhance the quality and quantity of barley production.

The night kicked off in true Kampala style, with a near-capacity crowd filling the Serena Conference Hall and bringing unmatched energy from start to finish. By 9:00pm, the stage was set, the lights were up, and the beats dropped, unlocking a musical journey spanning generations and genres. Mun G took center stage with his decade-long catalogue of hits, from Bintwala to Ssejusa, performing with unmatched charisma and energy that kept the audience on their feet until the very end. Adding to the electric atmosphere were thrilling performances from some of Uganda’s biggest stars, including Navio, Big Trill, Naava Grey, Nutty Neithan, Da Agent, and Benti Boys, each bringing their unique flavor to the night.

We ensured that the night was not just about music but also about culture and community, by unveiling the “Cheers to Bars” campaign. The campaign highlights the critical role bars play in Uganda’s nightlife economy and social fabric, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and fostering connections. 

Speaking during the launch, Emmanuel Njuki, our Legal & Corporate Affairs Lead, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “Bars are more than meeting points; they are economic engines and cultural centres that bring people together. With ‘Cheers to Bars,’ we are shining a light on the unsung heroes of Uganda’s bar culture — the bar owners, bartenders, and communities they serve. Their contribution is essential not only to our industry but to Uganda’s development.”

The campaign comes at a pivotal moment for the beer industry, which, according to the Oxford Economics Beer Report, contributed UGX 2.31 trillion to Uganda’s GDP in 2023, sustaining over 170,000 jobs and generating UGX 4.19 trillion in tax revenue. The launch at the Mun G concert showcased how music, nightlife, and bars are intertwined in fueling creativity, sustaining livelihoods, and shaping Uganda’s cultural identity.

Thank you for being a part of our story.

The wetland covers 84 hectares and is approximately 25 kilometers in length and has for over the years, suffered from degradation due to unregulated human activities such as sand mining, brick-making, and farming. 

Speaking during a press conference, Emmanuel Njuki, NBL’s Legal and Corporate Affairs Lead, noted that the wetland is already showing signs of recovery due to the restoration efforts. 

“We’re already seeing signs of natural regeneration, and encouragingly, communities are beginning to embrace wetland conservation as essential to protecting the ecosystem,” Njuki said. “Wetlands support food production, purify water, and help recharge groundwater systems. Their health directly impacts our lives.”

Njuki noted that the restoration is aligned with the Rwizi Catchment Management Plan, which has guided a range of sustainable water and environment interventions.

“River Rwizi is the backbone of life and livelihood for millions of people in Mbarara District. We are proud to support interventions that contribute to improved water quality and quantity in the river’s system, noted Njuki. “ We have implemented several interventions along the river buffer zone, including soil and water conservation, agroforestry, rainwater harvesting tanks, riverbank and wetland restoration, and the provision of alternative income-generating activities to communities around the River Rwizi riverbank.”

As part of the river’s rehabilitation, NBL also unveiled 13 newly constructed concrete rainwater harvesting tanks, bringing the total number to 22 tanks installed across six villages in the Kakigani micro-catchment area of Rwampara District. Each tank has a capacity of 10,000 litres, serving approximately 10 households. This will enhance access to water for more than 1,000 people in Rutooma, Kanyangi, Biti, Kitookye, Karagwe, and Kacucu villages.

“The tanks capture rainwater from rooftops, reducing the erosion caused by stormwater runoff,” said Njuki. “They also ease the burden on school-going children who previously had to walk long distances to fetch water. With closer access to clean water, children can now attend school regularly.”

To monitor the impact of these interventions, two water monitoring stations have been installed downstream of the restoration areas. These stations provide reliable data on water flow and quality, enabling NBL and other partners to make evidence-based decisions and track environmental progress in real time.

A new box culvert has been constructed at Ndeija Wetland in Kiremba, Rwampara District, replacing a previously impassable section of road that was frequently flooded during the rainy season.

“During the rainy season, the wetland would often flood, cutting off communities from schools, markets, and health centres,” said Njuki. “This new bridge restores access and guides floodwaters safely into the wetland. That’s a win for both people and the environment. It also helps fulfill one of our core project objectives: improving water quality and quantity in the River Rwizi.”

Since 2019, Nile Breweries Limited (NBL), in partnership with World Wide Fund (WWF), has been implementing a comprehensive restoration project to address water security challenges in the Rwizi catchment area. “Our goal is to ensure that 100% of our communities in high-stress areas have measurably improved water availability and quality by 2025,” noted Njuki.

“River Rwizi is a lifeline for both people and biodiversity in southwestern Uganda. The restoration of Kibaale Wetland is not only reviving the health of this critical river system but also directly improving the livelihoods of surrounding communities,” said Ivan Tumuhimbise, WWF Uganda Country Director.  “WWF Uganda is proud to work alongside Nile Breweries Limited in this shared commitment to restore ecosystems, enhance water security, and support sustainable community development. We remain steadfast in our efforts to protect and preserve River Rwizi for present and future generations.” 

The tournament successfully brought together industry leaders for a day of strategic play and insightful discussion. Nile Breweries Ltd was well-represented by a strong delegation, including:

• Belinda Blessing Kasemiire, Castle Lite Brand Manager
• Wangechi Gitahi, Head of Marketing
• Ifeoluwa A. Subair, National Sales Director
• Yasintah Mgallar, Head of Trade Marketing
• Eric Malinga, Brand Manager

A key highlight of the event was an engaging panel discussion, expertly hosted by Belinda Kasemiire. During the discussion, she underscored Castle Lite’s unwavering support for initiatives that seamlessly blend business engagement with enjoyable leisure. Ms. Kasemiire articulated that both the sport of golf and the Castle Lite brand embody a lifestyle defined by refreshment, quality, and intentionality.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants, partners, and the Entebbe Club for making this inaugural Marketers Golf Tournament & Clinic a resounding success. We look forward to continuing to support events that contribute to the professional growth and well-being of the marketing industry.

The UAIA is an organization that brings together the alcoholic beverages manufacturers and other key players in Uganda. Established in 2006 by major producers, its primary objective is to facilitate engagement and collective lobbying with government agencies on issues of mutual interest. Additionally, the UAIA coordinates and directs activities aimed at promoting the responsible use and marketing of alcoholic beverages in Uganda, and advocating for a conducive business environment for its members.

Upon his election, Mr. Njuki expressed his gratitude to his predecessors for their dedicated service in steering the association forward and their tireless efforts in advocating for favorable legislation within the industry. “I commend the outgoing leadership for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the alcohol industry in Uganda,” said Mr. Njuki. “Their work has laid a strong foundation for us to build upon.”

Mr. Njuki also pledged to foster greater engagement among members, regulators, and key stakeholders to create a positive impact for both the UAIA and Uganda’s alcohol industry.

The newly appointed UAIA Executive Board includes:
Chairman: Mr. Emmanuel Njuki – Nile Breweries Ltd
Vice Chairman: Mr. MS Reddy – Premier Distillery
General Secretary: Mrs. Sheila Sabune– Uganda Breweries Ltd
Treasurer: Mr. Micah Musabe – Vicland Distributors

Board Members:
Mrs. Prudence Ukonika K. – Roma
Mr. Patrick Pillay – Kakira Distilleries
Mr. G. Raghavendra Reddy – Blue Nile Distillery

We congratulate Mr. Njuki and the entire board on their appointments and look forward to their leadership in shaping a thriving and responsible alcohol industry in Uganda.