Nile Breweries (NBL) hosted the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) board, led by its Chairman Prof. James Okot-Okumu, and Executive Director Dr. Akankwasah Barirega, for a benchmarking visit to the Jinja plant. The visit aimed to showcase NBL’s commitment to sustainable brewery practices and environmental responsibility.
“Our business is closely tied to the natural environment. As a brewery we contribute enormously to conserving the environment, this means brewing sustainably, brewing with the least water, and brewing with the environment in mind,” said Rita Nakibwami, the Plant Environment and Safety Manager.
During the visit, the NEMA board members toured the brewery’s facilities, gaining insights into the brewing, packaging, and waste management processes. The board learnt about the brewery’s investment in water conservation and energy efficiency initiatives that have led to reduced water usage and responsible discharge as well as contributed to a reduced carbon footprint.
Following the tour, the NEMA board commended the brewery for its leadership in environmental sustainability. “Nile Breweries serves as a model for other companies in Uganda. Its commitment to environmental protection aligns perfectly with NEMA’s goals, and we encourage other industries to follow suit,” noted Prof. Okot-Okumu.
In line with NBL’s commitment to responsible waste disposal and recycling, 98.94% of all the waste generated in production is reused and recycled. According to Nakibwami, the brewery operates a returnable packaging system to promote circular packaging and reduce material use and wastage.
Dr. Barirega, the NEMA Executive Director commended the brewery for its comprehensive approach to environmental management, noting that these efforts contribute significantly to Uganda’s sustainable development.
“We believe that responsible manufacturing is essential for long-term success, and we are continuously seeking ways to improve our environmental performance,” added Nakibwami,
Nile Brewery remains committed to playing a leading role in environmental stewardship.