By Our Reporter
Pilsner Lager, a brand under Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), has made a contribution of UGX 100 Million towards Tooro Kingdom’s 29th Coronation Anniversary celebrations that are set for 12th September this year.
The Coronation anniversary which is traditionally known as Empango is an annual celebration that marks the day Omukama of Tooro, Dr. Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi 1V ascended to the throne at three years old.
The meeting was attended by the King, the UBL Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo, the Minister of Culture Tooro Kingdom Hon Peter Sunday and other representatives from Tooro and UBL.
While at the meeting, the UBL Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo congratulated King Oyo on the anniversary and noted that UBL is proud to associate with Tooro’s incredible heritage.
“Uganda Breweries which only last month celebrated its 78th anniversary is proud to be associated with such an incredible heritage; a celebration of the spirit of resilience from which the strongest dynasties have thrived and we are proud to have been included on your progressive journey over the years,” Andrew Kilonzo said.
Kilonzo also added that UBL works closely with farmers in Tooro Kingdom who for years have been supplying the company with raw materials that are used in the production process to make some of the most memorable brands like Pilsner Lager.
“In one year alone, we source over 1000 tones of Barley, 1500 tonnes of sorghum and 5000 tons of maize from over 2000 farmers (800 barley, 1500 maize, 500 sorghum). We pay over 8.7 billion shillings to farmers in Kamwenge, Kabarole and Bundibugyo. We know that farming is the backbone for this community and the country at large and we would like to make a commitment to continuously support both the Kingdom’s and the government’s agenda to enable farmers to improve their livelihoods whether it is through mechanization or availing a ready market for their produce. In the coming years, we shall be doubling our sourcing from this region of Barley from 1000 tonnes to 2000 tonnes and Maize, by 15% from 5000 tonnes to over 6000 tonnes,” Kilonzo added.
The Omukama’s 29th Coronation Anniversary is expected to be a grand event, with various cultural displays, rituals, and festivities that honour the history and resilience of the Tooro Kingdom.
Edgar Kihumuro, the Brand Manager of Pilsner Lager, emphasized the brand’s commitment to celebrating Uganda’s cultural heritage. “We are always proud to be part of the celebrations that highlight the rich traditions of the Tooro people. This contribution is a testament to our dedication to supporting and preserving Uganda’s cultural heritage,” Kihumuro stated.
Pilsner Lager’s contribution will go a long way in ensuring the success of these celebrations, reinforcing the strong ties between the brand and the Tooro Kingdom.
