What you need to know:
- The company's Managing Director, Ms Prudence Kasibante Okonika, noted that the award validates their sustained investment in research and quality assurance.
Vice President Jessica Alupo has urged Ugandan and East African enterprises to prioritise product quality, innovation, and value addition to enable local goods to compete effectively in the global marketplace.
In a speech delivered on her behalf by Mr Andrew Matovu, the director of the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development, during the sixth edition of the East Africa Brand Quality Awards in Kampala on Friday night, Ms Alupo commended local enterprises while calling for continuous standard improvements.
She congratulated the award recipients but cautioned them against viewing the accolades as an ultimate goal, emphasizing that recognition should instead inspire them to maintain excellence and mentor emerging enterprises.
"An award on the shelf matters less than an award that opens opportunities," Ms Alupo said, highlighting the vital role of cross-border cooperation and active private sector involvement in forging an integrated, competitive regional market.
Ms Alupo noted that the celebrated brands earned their honours through steadfastness and standard adherence, charging them with the responsibility of enhancing the region's commercial prestige abroad.
"Tonight’s awards to the winners; you didn’t arrive here by accident. Each of you represents a character of consistency, integrity, and quality that others in your industry will be measuring up to. I now urge you that this is not the endpoint but a responsibility to set the bar higher and keep Uganda's, East Africa's and South Africa’s brand reputation rising on the global stage," she added.
The ceremony convened corporate executives and entrepreneurs from the mining, manufacturing, and services sectors, serving as a forum to deliberate on regional trade dynamics, financing access, support mechanisms for indigenous firms, and the overall competitiveness of domestic products.
The East Africa Brand Quality Awards serve as a regional platform designed to highlight operational excellence, strengthen brand identity, and bolster consumer confidence. The awards celebrate trusted brands, corporate leaders, and organisations operating across nine member states: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Out of approximately 370 nominated brands, 250 were awarded during the Kampala ceremony, spanning over 230 individual categories across more than 20 economic sectors, including manufacturing, digital technology, financial services, hospitality, agriculture, construction, and healthcare.
Among the Ugandan firms recognized was Euro Gold Refinery. Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ben Feni—popularly known as Mungufeni—described the award as a significant milestone for the national mining industry.
Mr Feni stated that the accolade reflected the collective dedication of both small-scale and large-scale miners across the country rather than the isolated success of a single firm.
"We were recognised for value addition since we ensure that gold and other minerals are refined, hence increasing the value of Uganda’s minerals," Mr Feni said.
He appreciated government interventions, particularly through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, for establishing frameworks that allow Ugandans to actively participate in the extractive industry. However, he pointed out that local operators continue to struggle with high capital costs and bureaucratic delays.
"Limited access to financing and lengthy licensing procedures remain key challenges facing indigenous miners," Mr Feni observed, adding that streamlining these administrative processes would empower local investors to optimize mineral resources through downstream refining.
Other notable recipients included K-Roma Limited, the manufacturer of Bella Wines and Bella Juices.
The company's Managing Director, Ms Prudence Kasibante Okonika, noted that the award validates their sustained investment in research and quality assurance.
In the healthcare sector, Unity Skin Care Clinic was named the best skincare clinic in East Africa. The clinic's General Manager, Ms Rehmah Nabasumba, attributed the victory to her team's dedication and client trust.
"This award recognises the efforts of our team and the trust of clients seeking treatment for different skin conditions," Ms Nabasumba said, reaffirming the clinic's commitment to delivering specialized dermatological solutions.