Nile Special, was recognised as the most admired brand in Uganda. This was during the second installment of Uganda’s Best Brands, that was announced on June 26th in a virtual event hosted by Brand Africa in partnership with Publics Africa Communications and The Public Relations Association of Uganda. These awards are based on the 2020 Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands research and ranking of brands across Africa.
Post the virtual announcement, a reception was hosted at Hilton Garden Inn Kampala and attended by a few representatives of the leading brands and media representatives in a live offline event compliant with the country’s Covid regulations for public gatherings. Nile Special Beer, was unveiled as Uganda’s Brand of the Year for its cumulative performance across several categories as the most admired Ugandan brand in the global rankings, the second most admired African brand in Uganda, the most admired listed Ugandan brand and the most admired Ugandan brand.
“On behalf of Nile Breweries Limited, I would like to thank Ugandans and Brand Africa for the recognition. Our brands are brewed using world class standards and high quality ingredients. As a brewer we strive to brew great African beers with pride, as we continue to give Ugandans brands that are Made in Uganda, for Ugandans, by Ugandans,” said Amou Majok, Head of Marketing. “Over the years, we have delivered CSR and marketing programmes that have allowed us to, not only connect with our consumers but also to become part of their daily experiences,” she added.
Nile Special prides in consistency of quality, a virtue that has earned the brand 17 International awards, most prominent being 3 Grand Gold Mode Selection Awards that are given to beers that meet world class quality standards.
“Nile Special revolves around celebrating Ugandan greatness and inspiring pride. We celebrate all the great about Uganda, big and small, this has made the brand a fixture in the Ugandan fabric,” said Francis Nyende, Brand Manager. “It has discovered a proper purpose among its consumers and most importantly Ugandans.” he added.
The brand leverages key passion points of its consumers such as football, rugby, in the past Ugandan Music and is bold enough to champion social issues such as sexual harassment (No Excuse Campaign). “We are part and parcel of society besides being a beer brand. If you stand with society in both the good and bad it delivers on the main purpose of the brand,” Nyende said.
Majok highlighted that during these trying times of COVID-19 pandemic, Nile Breweries is committed to continue delivering on its brand promise as well as sustainability commitments as we strive to create a better world. “Times have been challenging and the world and Uganda has been shaken by the covid-19 pandemic, however as a leading contributor to the Uganda economy, Nile Breweries does not take its role for granted in the livelihood of those in our value chain, especially the retailers and farming communities,” she said. “The times have taught us that the only thing that is constant is change and so this award serves not only as a nod in the right direction but also as a challenge for our business to continue being more relevant,” she added.
The announcement featured a panel discussion led by the local host, Joseph Kanyamunyu, managing director at Publics Africa Communications, with Amos Wekesa, the founder and managing partner of Great Lakes Safaris Limited and Sarah Kagingo, the managing director of Soft Power Communications and the President of Public Relations Association of Uganda who reflected on the African results overall, Uganda brands specifically and the impact of Covid on local and African businesses panel.
Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa and Brand Leadership said, “As evidenced by the entrepreneurial spirit that is creating Africa’s first electric vehicle, Kiira, and the leading brands such as Nile which feature in the continental rankings, Uganda and Ugandan brands will play an important role not just in the region but in the continent.”
In reflecting on the Uganda results, managing director of Publics Africa Communications Joseph Kanyamunyu, said, “We are proud that Ugandans continue to choose African and especially Ugandan brands among their most admired brands. At Publics Africa, this is our mission to showcase that excellence.”
Nile Special is proud to be the choice of Ugandans.