Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) today marked its 80th anniversary by launching 80 Years at the Heart of the Pearl, a nation-wide anniversary campaign that celebrates the people and communities that have shaped the company’s journey since its establishment in 1946.
Rather than commemorating the milestone with a traditional anniversary event, UBL is using the occasion to reflect on its place in Uganda’s story and reaffirm its commitment to the country’s future.
At the heart of today’s launch is The Bell Times, a special commemorative newspaper created to tell the story of UBL through the lens of Uganda. Produced in the style of a traditional newspaper, the publication chronicles the company’s eight-decade journey, its economic contribution, its role in sport and culture and the people who have been part of its success.
The collectors edition is being distributed as a newspaper supplement, inviting Ugandans to engage with UBL’s history in a format that celebrates storytelling and journalism while preserving a record of the company’s contribution to the nation.
“Our 80th anniversary is ultimately about people. For 80 years, Ugandans have welcomed our brands into their homes, celebrations and communities. This campaign is our opportunity to celebrate that relationship and to reaffirm our commitment to the people who have stood with us throughout our journey. Today, we celebrate our history, but even more importantly, we celebrate tomorrow,” said Felicite Nson, Managing Director, Uganda Breweries Limited.
Since opening its doors at Port Bell in 1946, UBL has grown alongside Uganda, building one of the country’s largest manufacturing businesses while supporting thousands of jobs across agriculture, hospitality, retail, logistics and distribution. Today, the company works with thousands of local farmers and businesses whose livelihoods are connected to its value chain.
The anniversary campaign therefore shifts the focus from celebrating past achievements to recognising the people behind them.
Over the coming months, UBL will roll out a series of initiatives designed to give back to the communities that have supported the company for eight decades. Under theanniversary campaign, UBL will embark on community projects, recognise the individuals and partners who have contributed to its journey and celebrate Ugandan stories from across the country.
The brewery is positioning the launch as a turning point for the business, not a retrospective. Company leadership has framed the anniversary year as the start of a renewed relationship with Uganda, one built around giving back at scale and reinvesting in the communities, farmers and partners the business depends on.
“This anniversary is our way of saying thank you. It is about recognising the communities that have supported us, the employees who have built this business, the farmers who supply us, the customers who choose our brands and the partners who have walked this journey with us. We are proud of the last 80 years, but our greatest responsibility is helping build the next 80,” said Sheila Sabune, Corporate Relations Director at Uganda Breweries Limited.
As Uganda Breweries marks this milestone, the company remains focused on the future, continuing to invest in local manufacturing, agriculture, communities and the partnerships that have defined its place at the heart of Uganda for eight decades.