UGANDA – Leading soft beverage manufacturer, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), has commissioned a US$10 million Rwenzori Pure Natural Water production line in Namanve Industrial park, Central Region of Uganda.

Speaking during the event, Van Niekerk CCBA’s managing director, said that the US$10million investment is a strong demonstration of the company’s commitment in contributing to the country’s economy.

Operated by Century Bottling Company, the bottling line installed with technology from Germany has a capacity of producing about 24,000 bottles an hour.

Van Niekerk however, called upon the government to review the tax policies especially on Exercise duty as an incentive to lure in more investors in the country and loosen the challenging operating environment.

“It is important to note that this investment was made on a promise to reduce excise duty from 13% to 12% in the 2018/19 FY and gradual decrease per year until 10%. We are grateful that this happened last year.

Unfortunately, the reduction from 12% to 11% in 2019/ 2020 FY has been rejected by Parliament. This investment is a confirmation that a favourable tax regime can attract more investment for the industry,” he highlighted.

The new Rwenzori Pure Natural Mineral Water line investment is part of a US$15 million investment plan that Coca-Cola Beverages Africa had for Uganda in 2018.

Also speaking at the event, Amelia Kyambadde, the minister of Trade Industries and Cooperatives, commended the beverage company for supporting government’s industrialization initiative which she said is key in creating employment opportunities.

“Investing US$10 million in our economy is very significant towards fighting the problem of unemployment in the country.

Government is committed to supporting all investors willing to invest their resources in our country Uganda. Investing in a new manufacturing line creates more jobs,” she said.

Ms Kyambadde said that Uganda the government has tried to improve the business environment through investing various resources in the development of infrastructures, energy sector and ICT in order to attract private investors.

CCBA management had earlier on emphasized that the Company will continue to be a relevant partner with Government and called upon the officials to ensure they work to limit the challenges private sector faces in doing business.

In Uganda Coca-Cola Beverages Africa runs three subsidiaries bottling Coca-Cola products; Century Bottling Company, Rwenzori Bottling Company which produces mineral water and Plastic Recycling Industries which recycles plastic waste.