UGANDA – Jackie Tahakanizibwa, Corporate Relations, Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs Manager Uganda Breweries Limited, has been elected as chair of the Uganda Alcoholic Industry Association (UAIA) for three years.
UAIA is an umbrella body bringing together the registered and regulated producers of alcoholic beverages in Uganda.
It was formed in 2006 to align the interests of the manufacturers and promote responsible drinking.
Tahakanizibwa was voted as the incoming Chairperson of the association to be deputized by Emmanuel Njuki, the Legal and Corporate Affairs Head at Nile Breweries Limited (NBL).
Tahakanizibwa has been serving the association as secretary general and is set to replace the outgoing chair Onapito Ekomoloit who was unanimously seconded to become the inaugural UAIA patron to help guide the association.
Njuki will replace NBL’s Juliana Kagwa who worked with Onapito in steering UAIA. The election was held during the association’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
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 economy’s growth as they have always been doing.
“My priority areas are; drive positive behavior 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.
During the AGM, Denis Ainebyoona, the acting commissioner of industry at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives reiterated his commitment to supporting the sector and affirming UAIA as a recognized institution, with its formation being endorsed by the ministry.
He pledged a planned revival of the licensing act to help ease the operations of businesses within the association, adding that the new leadership’s huge role is to steer the association, especially during this period that the industry awaits finalization of the proposed alcohol bill discussions.
The Bill, sponsored by Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi, seeks to regulate the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcoholic drinks. The Bill dictates that alcohol should only be sold between 5 pm and 10 pm on weekdays and not after midnight on weekends.
According to the Bill, any person found to contravene commits an offense and is liable, on conviction, to a fine of US$5,158 or imprisonment for 10 years, or both. The Bill also proposes a stringent licensing regime for bars.
The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and the culture and creatives industry have warned that the enactment of the Alcohol Drinks Control Bill, 2023, will cripple Uganda’s nightlife and significantly reduce the tax base.
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