Nile Breweries says it has paid more than Shs5 trillion in taxes since 2010, supported 25,000 farmers and built annual production capacity of three million hectolitres as it celebrates 75 years in Uganda.
Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) has marked 75 years of operations in Uganda, highlighting its contribution to tax revenue, manufacturing, agriculture and employment through a network of farmers, suppliers, distributors, retailers and other businesses.
The company launched its anniversary celebrations at its Jinja brewery under the theme “Beer and More”, recognising the people and communities that have contributed to its growth since its establishment in 1951.
As part of the celebrations, Nile Breweries revealed that it had paid more than Shs5 trillion in taxes between 2010 and 2025, with annual tax payments exceeding Shs450 billion since 2024.
Emmanuel Njuki, the company's Head of Corporate and Legal Affairs, said its contribution extends beyond direct taxes to include revenue generated by businesses across its distribution and retail networks.
“We pay Shs450 billion per year in direct taxes, but there are other taxes. For example, when our distributors sell, they pay taxes, and even the bar owners also pay taxes,” Njuki said.
Established in 1951 in Njeru, near Jinja, Nile Breweries was founded by expatriates working on the construction of the Owen Falls Dam. Following the dam's completion in 1954, the brewery was sold to the Madhvani Group, which developed the business into a major manufacturer.
The company was later nationalised during the regime of former President Idi Amin before returning to the Madhvani Group after his overthrow.
In 1997, the Madhvani Group entered a partnership with South African Breweries. Nile Breweries is now part of global brewing group AB InBev.
George Mbogo, manager of the Jinja plant, said the company had expanded production capacity to meet growing demand.
“Today, the Jinja plant can produce over 1.9 million hectolitres, whereas the Mbarara facility can produce 1.1 million hectolitres,” Mbogo said.
The two breweries have a combined annual production capacity of approximately three million hectolitres, supporting the company's position in Uganda's manufacturing sector.
Beyond brewing, Nile Breweries says its Local Raw Material programme supports approximately 25,000 Ugandan farmers who supply barley, sorghum, cassava and maize for production.
The company says more than 98 per cent of its raw materials are sourced locally, with annual expenditure on locally sourced inputs exceeding Shs156 billion.
The programme provides farmers with a market for their produce while linking agricultural communities to the country's industrial value chain.
Nile Breweries has also highlighted water conservation and environmental protection as priorities for its next phase of growth, including initiatives to improve water availability and quality in communities and support restoration efforts along River Rwizi.
Nkanyiso Mncwabe, the company's managing director, said its water stewardship initiatives had delivered measurable improvements in communities facing water stress.
“100% of our communities in high-stress areas supported through our initiatives in Uganda had measurably improved water availability and quality in 2025. We improved our water use by hectolitre of production in Uganda by over 20 per cent since 2017,” Mncwabe said.
He said responsible water management was essential to both production and the well-being of communities surrounding the breweries.
“Water is essential to our breweries and to the communities around them. Our future depends on using it carefully and working with partners to protect the sources we share,” he added.
The company also plans to continue investing in innovation, sustainability and operational efficiency while promoting awareness of illicit alcohol.
Mbogo said Nile Breweries wanted to discourage the consumption of illicit alcohol and encourage consumers to choose certified products.
“We are aiming to ensure people stop using illicit alcohol because research shows over 60 per cent of the alcohol people consume in Uganda is illicit. So, we aim to stop that through sensitising people to use certified alcoholic products on the market,” Mbogo said.
The company did not identify the research underpinning the 60 per cent estimate in the information provided.
Mncwabe said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the employees, farmers, suppliers, distributors, retailers and consumers who had contributed to the company's growth, as well as its support for Uganda's sporting ambitions over nearly three decades.
“For 75 years, Nile Breweries has grown alongside Uganda and been part of the moments that bring people together. Jinja is where our journey began, but our story belongs to people across the country,” Mncwabe said.
Nile Breweries produces brands including Nile Special, Nile Stout, Club Pilsener, Eagle Lager, Eagle Extra, Eagle Dark and Castle Lite.
With facilities in Jinja and Mbarara, the company says it will continue building its local sourcing programme and partnerships as it enters its next chapter.uotations.