UBL set to increase Ngule beer price

By Silvia Nyambura

Alcoholic beverage manufacturer Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) is set to increase the price of its cheapest beer Ngule soon. The beer whose production began in January 2016 in partnership with Majestic Brands – the investment arm of the Buganda Kingdom- has been on sale at an introductory price of Ushs 1,500. It is made from local ingredients cassava and sorghum exclusively sourced from within the kingdom with the objective of supporting farmers.

The announcement was made today to members of the press by the UBL Managing Director Nyimpini Mabunda during a guided tour of the production plant by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga.

“The Ushs 1,500 was an introductory offer. We live in an inflationary environment and we have to be able to meet our cost of production. Our team has been working on this pricing and we expect a slight adjustment soon. It is however still going to remain very affordable,” Mabunda said.

According to him, since commencement of production, Ngule has been an overwhelming success exceeding its planned forecast for the launch period. This success had led to initial production issues due to overwhelming demand, but the beer is now back in stock. He encouraged traders and consumers to promptly return empty bottles as they purchase, to allow for swift replenishment.

“When we began production Buganda Kingdom gave us a directive that Ngule should be available in every corner of the market. Initially we had a list of 5 distributors. I am proud to announce we now have access to the Eastern, Western and Southern parts of the Kingdom. The beer has exceeded our set target by 1000%,” he added.

The Katikiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga said, “Ngule was inspired by the need to move people from consuming illicit brew and ensure the ordinary Ugandan can have good quality drink. Alcohol should be safe for every consumer and we are pleased with this beer’s success.”

UBL is working with over 17,000 barley, sorghum and cassava farmers, training them to grow the kind of quality raw materials needed to brew quality beer.

“Buganda Kingdom has a 5 year strategic plan that focuses on leveraging all the kingdom’s resources to lift His Majesty’s people out of poverty. We are glad that farmers have heeded our call to grow quality cassava. The biggest challenge to Agriculture in this country is lack of market for locally produced goods. UBL is providing ready market for these farmers which means incomes are strengthened at household level within the Kingdom,” Mayiga added.