Uganda Breweries targets net-zero, invests UGX 45B in local farmers

KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda Breweries Limited has launched its 2025 Sustainability Report, detailing an integrated approach to environmental stewardship and community impact. The company reported investing more than 1.5 billion Ugandan shillings in water projects across the country in the last fiscal year.

The report, titled “A Sustainable Future in Every Drop,” focuses on UBL’s commitment to water conservation, regenerative agriculture and accelerating the journey to net-zero emissions.

Felicite Nson, managing director of UBL, emphasized that sustainability is at the core of the company’s strategy. Nson noted that the company’s efforts were recognized globally, with UBL being named Diageo Brewery of the Year 2025 for the second consecutive year for excellence in energy efficiency, water conservation and operational performance.

The 1.5 billion shilling investment funded several key water initiatives. These included building 10 hand-pump boreholes and a solar-powered mini water scheme in Kibasi, Fort Portal, benefiting more than 1,100 households.

The company also provided safe water access to over 4,900 households in the Teso sub-region through nine new boreholes. Additionally, UBL launched the Elgon Pamoja Partnership, a 1 billion Ugandan shilling, three-year initiative to restore ecosystems in the Mount Elgon catchment area in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Environment.

On climate action, UBL reduced its carbon emissions by more than 90% by transitioning the brewery to biomass energy and introducing electric forklifts at its spirits facility. The company also pioneered a Zero Liquid Discharge facility, which recovered 36% of water used in the brewing process for reuse.

Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Water and Environment, commended the brewer’s long-standing collaboration with the government.

Okidi noted that UBL’s water stewardship and reforestation initiatives are strongly aligned with Uganda’s environmental goals, highlighting projects that restore wetlands and protect the Lake Victoria Basin catchment area. He concluded by congratulating UBL on its continued dedication to water stewardship.

UBL reported investing more than 45 billion Ugandan shillings in its local supply chain through the Farm for Success program. This initiative involves partnering with over 35,000 farmers to source essential ingredients like sorghum, barley and maize.

The company also supported youth employment through its Learning for Life program, which graduated 366 youth, including 211 women, by equipping them with vital hospitality and business skills.

Other initiatives highlighted in the report include the promotion of a circular economy through the Green Action for Sustainable Production. UBL increased the recycled content in its PET bottles to 25.8% and partnered with suppliers to include 40% recycled content in its plastic bottles. Through the Eyo Red Card campaign, the company also educated more than 26,000 students on responsible alcohol consumption in 2025.