Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) has launched its 75th anniversary celebrations at its Jinja Brewery, highlighting its contribution to Uganda’s economy across agriculture, manufacturing, transport, distribution, retail and hospitality sectors. Under the theme “Beer and More,” the celebration honours the employees, farmers, partners and communities who have grown alongside Nile Breweries and have shaped the company since its establishment in 1951.

NBL’s beer portfolio has earned more than 75 Monde Selection awards over the years, recognising the quality of its products. The “Beer and More” theme celebrates this brewing heritage alongside the livelihoods, businesses and communities connected to the company’s operations.

“For 75 years, Nile Breweries has grown alongside Uganda and been part of the moments that bring people together. Jinja is where our journey began, but our story belongs to people across the country. The employees whose skill and commitment sustain our business, the farmers who grow our raw materials, and the suppliers, distributors and retailers who bring our brands to consumers,” said Nkanyiso Mncwabe, Managing Director, Nile Breweries Limited.

We are equally grateful to the consumers who have made our brands part of their celebrations and everyday lives. We are also celebrating nearly 30 years of backing Uganda’s sporting dreams and champions. This anniversary is an opportunity to recognise that trust, celebrate what we have built together and look ahead to the next chapter,” he added.

Today, NBL supports 25,000 Ugandan farmers through its Local Raw Material programme, sourcing barley, sorghum, cassava and maize for brewing. More than 98 per cent of its raw materials are sourced locally, with annual spending on local sourcing of more than UGX 156 billion (US$39 million). The programme provides a ready market for Ugandan barley farmers and connects farming communities to the country’s manufacturing economy.

NBL contributes over UGX 5 trillion in taxes to Uganda’s domestic revenue between 2010 and 2025, with annual tax payments estimated at more than UGX 450 billion since 2024.

As NBL marks the anniversary, water stewardship remains central to its operations and its work with communities. This includes efforts to support the restoration of River Rwizi, alongside efforts to improve water availability and quality in communities and use water more efficiently in brewing.

“100% of our communities in high-stress areas supported through our initiatives in Uganda had measurably improved water availability and quality in 2025. We improved our water use by hectoliter of production in Uganda by over 20% since 2017,” Mncwabe said.

“Water is essential to our breweries and to the communities around them. Our future depends on using it carefully and working with partners to protect the sources we share,” he added.

Looking ahead, NBL will place sustainability, innovation and greater operational efficiency at the centre of its next chapter, building on its relationships with Ugandan farmers, businesses and communities.

“Sustainability will be a bedrock of our future, alongside innovation and more efficient ways of working. We want to keep improving how we brew, respond to changing consumer needs and create opportunities for the people and businesses connected to us,” Mncwabe said.

“As we celebrate 75 years, we look ahead with pride in our history and confidence in what we can build together. The next chapter begins with the same people and partnerships that brought us this far.”

To turn the tide on these preventable tragedies, we are partnering with Next Media Services and Consult Africa Usalama to launch the second phase of the Linnya Step with Safety, a national road safety campaign aimed at promoting responsible riding, helmet use, and safer passenger behaviour.

Mable Tomusange, Managing Consultant at Consult Afrika Usalama, emphasised during the launch that this new phase builds directly on the awareness established in our initial campaign to drive lasting, measurable behavioural change. The Guest of Honour, Hon. Nathan Byanyima, further highlighted the broader vision for the sector, encouraging boda boda riders to embrace professionalism, decorum, and strong personal hygiene in their daily operations.

As part of AB InBev’s global Road Safety Program, this initiative tackles key risks like speeding, overloading, and the non-negotiable rule that alcohol and driving/riding must never mix. We will also be distributing certified passenger helmets to ensure safety equipment is accessible to those who need it most.

“We are asking Ugandans to take a step towards safety. The reality is that these things are within our control; that’s why we are calling upon not only boda boda riders, but all road users,” said our Managing Director, Nkanyiso Mncwabe. “At Nile Breweries, responsible consumption is central to how we do business. No journey or destination is worth risking your life or the lives of others.”

Road safety is a shared public health responsibility. We call on government institutions, boda boda associations, the private sector, and all road users to join us in making Uganda’s roads safer for everyone.

Held under the theme, “Stakeholders Championing the Restoration of River Rwizi,” the Marathon brought together government officials, local authorities, businesses, civil society, conservation organisations and communities. The annual event provides a platform to raise awareness, mobilise resources and turn public concern for River Rwizi into practical conservation action.

“The turnout shows the growing commitment to protect River Rwizi. This is important because communities, government and businesses all depend on this shared resource. For Nile Breweries, a healthy business cannot be separated from a healthy catchment and thriving communities, which is why water stewardship is a long-term responsibility, not a one-off activity,” said Emmanuel Njuki, Executive Director and Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs, Nile Breweries Limited.

According to reports, 711 ha of wetlands have been demarcated in Rucece and the Kibale-Munyere wetland; 12 km of river buffers are under restoration in Nyamitanga, Ruti, Ruharo, Kakigani and Kihumuro; 67,000+ seedlings have been planted; and 1,000+ households have been reached through livelihood interventions, including apiary, agroforestry, a revolving fund, zero grazing and rainwater-harvesting tanks.

Njuki said Nile Breweries is also acting within its own operations at the Mbarara Brewery by improving water-use efficiency, expanding water reuse and ensuring that wastewater is properly treated before being returned to the environment.

“As a business that depends on River Rwizi, our responsibility begins with how we use and manage water. We are working to use less water in brewing, reuse as much as possible and ensure that any water returned to the environment is properly treated and compliant with the required standards. We also encourage every industry that depends on the river to contribute funding, innovation and people to its restoration,” Njuki said.

According to the World Wide Fund (WWF), by 2028, the restoration programme aims to have 1,128 ha under improved protection or sustainable management, restore and rehabilitate 355 ha, and increase water replenishment from 23,070 to 120,239 m³/year as a result of the various interventions.

Njuki called on the government to continue strengthening governance, enforcement and protection of the catchment; on the private sector to invest in water stewardship and bring resources, innovation and accountability to the shared challenge; and on communities to continue protecting wetlands, riverbanks and restored areas. Long-term recovery, he said, will depend on strong local ownership and sustained cooperation among all catchment stakeholders.

“No single Marathon, organisation or project can secure the future of River Rwizi on its own. It will take consistent action from all of us. Protecting River Rwizi is a shared responsibility, and today’s Marathon should move us from awareness to action,” Njuki said.

The training sessions, conducted in Kibwa and Kamabale parishes in Fort Portal, focused on key harvesting and post-harvest handling techniques, including assessing crop maturity, determining the optimal harvest time, drying, threshing, moisture management, cleaning, winnowing, grading and storage.

The initiative is part of NBL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen local agricultural value chains and support farmers who supply raw materials for its brewing operations.

“Farmers are the foundation of our value chain, and the quality of our beers begins with the quality of the crops they produce,” said Emmanuel Njuki, Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Nile Breweries Limited.

“By investing in practical training, improved seed varieties and reliable market access, we are helping farmers protect the value of their harvests, increase their incomes and adopt more sustainable farming practices. At the same time, we are strengthening local sourcing and contributing to Uganda’s agro-industrial development.”

The training forms part of NBL’s Local Raw Material Programme, one of Uganda’s largest private-sector agricultural sourcing initiatives. Through the programme, the company supports farmers to cultivate high-quality barley and sorghum by providing improved seed varieties, agronomic support and a guaranteed market for their produce.

NBL currently sources more than 95 per cent of the raw materials used in brewing its products locally, including barley, sorghum, cassava and maize. This commitment to local sourcing supports rural livelihoods, reduces dependence on imported inputs and helps build a more resilient agricultural supply chain.

According to Bob Mutegeki, NBL Agriculture Team Leader for the Western Region, effective post-harvest management is critical to maintaining grain quality and maximising farmer returns.

“Producing quality barley does not end in the field. The timing of harvesting, drying, threshing and storage all have a significant impact on the final quality of the grain,” said Mutegeki.

“These training sessions focused on practical measures that farmers can immediately apply to reduce post-harvest losses, preserve grain quality and meet the standards required by the market.”

The sessions also provided an opportunity for farmers to engage directly with NBL’s agricultural team on barley pricing, access to seed and fertiliser, and other agronomic support available through the programme.

Through continued training, technical support and farmer engagement, NBL aims to strengthen the Rwenzori barley value chain, improve the quality and productivity of locally grown barley, and contribute to sustainable livelihoods for farming communities across the region.

The Masaka sessions, drawing bar owners, shop managers and stockists from across the district, covered financial management, stock control, sales and marketing, responsible retailing, digital payments and long-term business planning. The training gave particular emphasis to foundational skills that many small business owners apply inconsistently: separating business and personal finances, maintaining basic records, managing cash flow and planning for growth.

Masaka follows earlier GRIT training cycles in Kampala and Gulu, and forms part of NBL’s commitment to equip more than 1,500 retailers across the country with the skills to build stronger, more resilient businesses.

Emmanuel Njuki, Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs at Nile Breweries Limited, said the programme reflects the company’s understanding that the health of its business is inseparable from the health of the retailers it works with.

“Retailers are at the heart of our business and a critical part of Uganda’s local economy. Through GRIT, we are not simply training people — we are investing in the sustainability of the businesses that bring our products to consumers every day. When retailers are stronger, the entire value chain is stronger.”

The programme goes beyond classroom training. Through a partnership with the National Social Security Fund, participating retailers received guidance on the NSSF SmartLife Flexi voluntary savings product — a long-term savings solution tailored to informal and semi-formal sector workers — and were supported to register and begin contributing. The training also promoted cashless business operations through MTN Mobile Money, enabling retailers to access digital payment solutions that improve transaction security, speed and record-keeping.

“Practical knowledge alone is not enough. GRIT deliberately connects retailers to tools — savings products, mobile money, record-keeping systems — that allow them to put that knowledge to work immediately and sustain it. The goal is to help them move from day-to-day survival to structured, resilient business growth.”

— Emmanuel Njuki, Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs, Nile Breweries Limited

Steven Sekamatte, proprietor of Vegas Depot and Pub in Mutukula, one of the 230 participants, said the training had offered immediately applicable lessons.

“The training has helped me understand how to separate business money from personal money, keep better records and manage my stock more effectively. I have also learned how digital payments and regular saving can help me run my business more securely and plan for growth.”

— Steven Sekamatte, Vegas Depot and Pub, Mutukula

Uganda’s Small and Medium Enterprise sector accounts for 90% of the country’s businesses, employs more than 2.5 million people and contributes approximately 20% of GDP, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. NBL’s GRIT programme is positioned as a direct private-sector contribution to strengthening that sector from within the company’s own value chain.

Participants explored key topics including financial management, stock control, sales and marketing, responsible retailing, digital adoption and long-term business planning, practical skills designed to help them build stronger, more resilient and sustainable businesses.

The programme continues to be strengthened through collaboration with our partners MTN MoMo, NSSF SmartLife Flexi and Ability Explored. Together, we are helping retailers access digital financial solutions, build long-term savings habits, enhance financial resilience and develop the capabilities needed to thrive in today’s evolving business environment.

Through Cheers to Bars, NBL aims to turn local bars into vibrant World Cup viewing spaces where fans can enjoy the energy of the tournament together. The initiative is part of the brewery’s commitment to celebrate local bars as important spaces for connection, entertainment, responsible socialising and economic activity.

The launch, held at Bourbon Bar & Lounge in Jinja during the FIFA World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa, also marks the beginning of a nationwide series of World Cup watch party experiences across bars and entertainment venues throughout Uganda.

Through Nile Special, the Official Beer Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup in Uganda through AB InBev’s global partnership, NBL will bring fans closer to the excitement of the tournament while using Cheers to Bars to spotlight the local venues that make these shared moments possible.

Speaking during the launch in Jinja, Nkanyiso Mncwabe, Managing Director, NBL, noted that local bars play a unique role during major cultural and sporting moments, particularly during tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, where millions of fans experience the games from their communities rather than inside stadiums.

“Bars have always been more than places to grab a drink. They are where people meet, celebrate, watch football, enjoy music and create memories. During the World Cup, that role becomes even more powerful because local bars allow fans to feel the energy of the game together, even when they are far from the stadiums. Through Cheers to Bars, we are celebrating the local bars that bring communities together while supporting jobs, trade and livelihoods across the country,” said Mncwabe.

Nile Breweries says Cheers to Bars is also about recognising the social role bars play in communities, celebrating the community spaces that support social connection while also contributing to jobs, trade and local economic activity.

“Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and during the FIFA World Cup, local bars will become places where fans connect, celebrate and share unforgettable moments. Through Cheers to Bars, we are celebrating the bar owners, staff and communities who make these experiences possible, while recognising the important role bars play in supporting local livelihoods and Uganda’s hospitality economy,” said Mncwabe.

“When local bars do well, the benefit goes beyond the bar counter. It reaches employees, suppliers, food vendors, transporters, entertainers, farmers and many others connected to the beer and hospitality value chain. That is why we see bars as part of a wider ecosystem that supports communities and local economies,” he added.

As part of the World Cup fan experience, Nile Special will also roll out a score predictor mechanic that allows consumers to take part throughout the tournament. Consumers who purchase Nile Special can check under the crown for a unique code, dial *144*26#, and predict match scores for a chance to win prizes and FIFA World Cup rewards.

Nile Special Brand Manager Eric Malinga said the campaign is designed to keep fans actively involved throughout the tournament.

“With the watch parties and score predictor mechanic, we want fans to do more than simply watch the football. We want them to participate, predict, celebrate and feel actively involved in every match throughout the tournament. The FIFA World Cup is driven by emotion, debate, excitement and shared fan experiences. Through Nile Special, we are creating experiences that bring that energy closer to Ugandan fans while rewarding them throughout the tournament period,” said Malinga.

As the FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, Nile Breweries will continue to celebrate the local bars that give fans a place to gather, share the excitement of the tournament, and enjoy football moments responsibly throughout the season.

The programme, code-named GRIT – Growing Retailers Innovatively Together – is designed to help retailers build more sustainable and resilient businesses by improving how they manage money, control stock, grow sales, adopt digital tools, trade responsibly and plan for the future.

The retailers, including bar owners, managers and stockists, will be equipped with skills in financial management, stock control, sales and marketing, responsible retailing, digital adoption and long-term business planning.

Speaking during the inaugural training in Makindye Division, where the first cohort of (close to 300)retailers was trained, Nkanyiso Mncwabe, Managing Director, NBL, noted that the training is expected to support business growth, strengthen retailer resilience and deepen financial inclusion among the business owners.

“Retailers are a critical part of our business and of Uganda’s wider economy. Our goal is to ensure that the retailers we work with are not only selling more, but building stronger, more sustainable businesses,” he noted “Through GRIT, we are empowering them with practical skills that help them manage money better, control stock, improve sales, trade responsibly and plan for growth.”

The 2026 rollout builds on the success of previous GRIT cohorts, where over 1,560 retailers were trained in 2024 and 2025. This year’s training introduces a strengthened financial inclusion component through the integration of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) SmartLife Flexi, a flexible voluntary savings solution that allows individuals in the informal and semi-formal sectors to save for the future in a practical and accessible way.

Through this partnership, participating retailers will receive sensitisation on social security, long-term savings and financial resilience, with support to register and begin contributing to NSSF SmartLife Flexi. The integration is designed to help retailers build savings discipline while continuing to manage and run their businesses.

Patrick Ayota, the Managing Director of NSSF, said the partnership with NBL is an important step in extending social security to more Ugandans working outside traditional formal employment structures.

“Many small business owners and entrepreneurs contribute significantly to Uganda’s economy, yet they often operate without structured social security or long-term savings support. NSSF SmartLife Flexi was created to give such individuals a flexible way to save for the future. By integrating this solution into the GRIT programme, we are making social security more accessible to retailers and helping them build financial resilience beyond day-to-day business income.”

The programme will also continue to promote digital adoption and cashless transactions through MTN MoMo, enabling retailers to access mobile money solutions that support safer, faster and more transparent business transactions.

John Isabirye said MTN’s involvement in the programme aligns with its commitment to supporting small businesses with digital financial tools.

“Digital financial services are essential for small business growth. Through MTN MoMo, retailers can receive payments, make transactions, reduce cash-handling risks and improve visibility in their business operations. We are proud to support the GRIT programme because it gives retailers not only the knowledge to grow, but also the tools to participate more confidently in Uganda’s digital economy.”

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the Small and Medium sector accounts for 90% of the business sector in Uganda and employs over 2.5 million people, contributing approximately 20% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

For many retailers, the programme provides practical knowledge that can be applied in their businesses, from separating business and personal finances, tracking daily sales and stock, managing cash flow, improving customer service and planning for expansion.

A retailer who participated in a previous GRIT cohort noted that the training helped them better understand how to manage business finances and keep proper records.

“The training helped me understand how to separate business money from personal money, track my stock and plan better for my business. These are things we deal with every day, but many of us have never received formal training on how to manage them properly.”

Mr Mncwabe added that the programme is not a one-off training activity, but part of a long-term commitment to retailer development.

“We want our retailers to grow with us, to become more resilient, more digitally enabled and more financially secure. As we scale the programme in 2026, we are also strengthening partnerships that bring real value to retailers beyond training, including access to digital payment solutions and social security through NSSF SmartLife Flexi.”

Through GRIT, NBL continues to position retailer empowerment as a core part of sustainable business growth, demonstrating how private sector partnerships can support entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, responsible retailing and community resilience across Uganda.

The ultimate highlight of the convention came during the recognition awards, where Nile Breweries Limited emerged as the outright winner of the 2025 Expansion Market Growth League! This prestigious accolade is determined by performance metrics mapped out in the BEES Expansion Health Index (EHI). The index rigorously tracks operational efficiency, digital adoption, and commercial viability across competitive expansion territories. Standing at the top of this league table is a massive testament to NBL’s commercial consistency and operational health.

Winning the Expansion Market Growth League isn’t a stroke of luck; it is a direct reflection of strategic clarity and boots-on-the-ground discipline. Over the last year, our teams have dedicated themselves to three primary objectives:

• Stellar Market Execution: Ensuring our products are reliably available, perfectly positioned, and meeting the highest standards expected by our consumers.
• Deepening Customer Engagement: Utilising the BEES digital platform to empower our commercial partners, small business owners, and distributors with seamless logistics and data-driven purchasing power.
• Expanding Our Footprint: Innovating and penetrating new spaces to broaden our reach safely and efficiently.

This trophy belongs to the entire Nile Breweries Limited family. From the production lines and breweries to the logistics crews, the tech teams driving BEES adoption, and our dedicated sales force on the streets, thank you. Your hard work keeps our taps running and our growth climbing.

We also extend our immense gratitude to our partners and customers across Uganda who continue to choose our brands and trust our ecosystem. Together, we are building a future with more cheers!

As the Official Beer Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup in Uganda through AB InBev’s global partnership with Budweiser, Nile Special is leveraging football’s biggest global stage to create memorable consumer experiences while celebrating the unmatched passion of Ugandan fans. The newly launched limited edition FIFA World Cup 2026 label will appear on Nile Special 500ml bottles throughout the tournament period and for a few months after, giving consumers a collectible symbol of one of football’s most anticipated global moments.

The limited edition label carries official FIFA World Cup branding elements and reinforces Nile Special’s positioning as the beer for unmatched fans. The launch marks the continuation of a broader campaign that began with the successful consumer promotion which awarded two Ugandans an all-expenses-paid trip to the United States to experience the FIFA World Cup live.

Building on that momentum, the “Gwe Kafulu” campaign now introduces a new nationwide consumer engagement mechanic designed to reward more fans throughout the World Cup season. Consumers who purchase Nile Special bottles can participate by checking under the crown for a unique code, dialing *144*26#, and entering the code for a chance to win a range of prizes and rewards linked to the FIFA World Cup campaign.

Speaking during the launch, our Managing Director Nkanyiso Mncwabe said, “The FIFA World Cup is more than just a football tournament. It is one of the most powerful cultural and sporting moments in the world, bringing together billions of fans through passion, national pride, and shared experiences. Through AB InBev’s global partnership, Nile Special has a unique opportunity to connect Ugandan consumers to that global stage in a way that feels authentic and exciting for them.”

He added, “The launch of this limited edition bottle label is symbolic of that ambition. It transforms every Nile Special bottle into part of the FIFA World Cup experience while reinforcing our commitment to creating culturally relevant consumer moments. As Nile Breweries, we remain committed to using our brands to unite people, celebrate local fandom, and create rewarding experiences that our consumers can genuinely connect with.”

Nile Special Brand Manager Eric Malinga said the second phase of the campaign was designed to sustain excitement around the FIFA World Cup while making participation simple and accessible for consumers across the country.

“With ‘Gwe Kafulu,’ we wanted to create something that keeps fans actively engaged throughout the World Cup period while rewarding them in a fun, easy, and transparent way. Consumers simply buy a Nile Special, check under the crown for the code, dial *144*26#, and enter for a chance to win. The simplicity of the mechanic ensures that more consumers can participate while feeling part of the global football excitement that comes with the FIFA World Cup,” Malinga explained.

He added, “The limited edition bottle is also a very important part of this campaign because it gives consumers something visibly connected to the FIFA World Cup and allows them to feel part of this historic global moment every time they pick up a Nile Special. What is changing is the label and packaging experience to celebrate the FIFA World Cup, but the liquid remains the same Nile Special that consumers know and love; the same unmatched liquid in gold that has consistently delivered quality and authenticity over the years. Through this campaign, we are celebrating football fandom while staying true to the product experience that has made Nile Special Uganda’s most awarded beer.”

The “Gwe Kafulu” campaign is expected to roll out nationwide through a series of consumer activations and additional fan engagement activities aimed at bringing Ugandan fans closer to the FIFA World Cup 2026 experience through Nile Special.

“Seeing the country explode with curiosity over the last few days was just the beginning”, says popular media personality Derrick Aine. “Sparking this movement felt like flipping a switch on the status quo. 

“We wanted to move past old routines and show everyone that when you finally try Uganda’s Best Tasting Lite, there’s no going back. Taking the journey from a mystery box to a national “Ahhh” reflex has been an incredible ride,” said Belinda Kasemiire, Brand Manager, Castle Lite

The “Ahhh” challenge is a national taste-reaction ritual, driving hype through shiver-moments, tags, and remixes across the digital landscape. In bars and shops, “Try It” first rituals and cold mini-sips will turn the simple act of ordering into a confident choice for a better standard. This shift aims to invigorate a nation of beer believers, ensuring that the title of Uganda’s premier lite beer is not just voted for, but felt in every sip.

“We’ve watched the country buzz with curiosity over the last few days, and it’s clear that everyone is looking for that next level of refreshment”, said Wangechi Gitahi, Head of Marketing at Nile Breweries Ltd. “As Uganda’s Best Tasting Lite, we are thrilled to officially launch the “Ahhh” challenge. This is an invitation to every Ugandan to experience the extra-cold shiver for themselves and prove that they owe themselves the best-tasting lite on the market.”

This new social reflex comes off the back of a mystery that recently gripped the Ugandan social scene. What started as a cryptic video from Derrick Aine regarding a “special delivery” quickly spiralled into a social media frenzy. The intrigue reached a peak when a public poll forced a standoff between music icons Sheebah Karungi and Spice Diana, both of whom entered the conversation with competitive and confident tones to claim the mystery prize for themselves.

The resolution of this viral standoff was revealed through the nationwide premiere of the new Castle Lite television commercial, which confirmed that the mystery box was actually the introduction to the “Ahhh” challenge. 

By choosing the shiver over long-held traditions, these icons have signalled a major vibe shift for the country. As the brand takes the cold to the people, Uganda is now invited to join the movement, experience the shiver, and witness the power of a superior standard.