UBL’s Jackie Tahakanizibwa elected Uganda Alcohol Industry Association Chairperson

Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) represented by their Corporate Relations, Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs Manager Jackie Tahakanizibwa has been elected to chair the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association (UAIA) for three years.

This was during the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association that took place at Kati Kati Restaurant on Wednesday 6^th March 2024. During the meeting, Ms. Tahakanizibwa was voted as the incoming Chairperson of the association to be deputised by Emmanuel Njuki, the Legal and Corporate Affairs Head at Nile Breweries Limited (NBL). 

Before that, Tahakanizibwa had been serving the association as Secretary General when the Chairperson and Vice were Onapito Ekomoloit and Juliana Kagwa of UBL and NBL respectively.

The Uganda Alcohol Industry Association [UAIA] is an organisation that brings together the formal alcoholic beverage manufacturers in Uganda. It was established in 2006 by the major producers of alcoholic beverages in Uganda. Its main objectives are to ease engagement and collective lobbying with government agencies on issues of mutual interest as well as co-ordinate and direct activities aimed at promoting responsible use and marketing of alcoholic beverages.

In her acceptance speech, Tahakanizibwa pledged to work with the government and relevant stakeholders to grow the sector and preserve the interests of members while directly contributing to the growth of the economy as they have always been doing.

“My priority areas are; to drive positive behaviour among Ugandans by pushing responsible drinking initiatives, support the fight against illicit alcohol trade, advocate for a conducive business environment and improve the industry perception,” she said.

The AGM resolved to have a Patron who will guide the association and outgoing NBL Board Chairman Onapito Ekomoloit was unanimously seconded to that position – making him the inaugural UAIA Patron.

Mr. Denis Ainebyoona, the Ag. Commissioner Industry at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives was the guest of honour representing Hon. David Bahati – the line minister. In his speech, the Minister reiterated his commitment to supporting the sector and confirmed that UAIA is a recognised institution and its formation was endorsed by the Ministry. He further pledged that the ministry is planning to revive the licensing act to further ease the operations of businesses in the industry. 

He further noted that the new leadership has a big task of steering the institution, especially during this time when there are discussions of the proposed alcohol bill.

The full UAIA Leadership

1. Chairperson: Jackie Tahakanizibwa – Uganda Breweries Limited
2. Vice Chairperson: Emmanuel Njuki- Nile Breweries Limited
3. Treasurer: Mr.  M.S Reddy – Premier Distillers
4. General Secretary: Atuhaire Yonah Blair – Brigade Distillers
5. Patron: Mr. Onapito Ekomoloit – Nile Breweries Limited

Board members;

1. Patrick Pillay – Kakira Distillers
2. Micah Apuuli – Vicland Distillers
3. Ved Prakash Singh -Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL)