Museveni endorses Coca-Cola’s new nutritional drink

By George Mangula

There is a new dairy beverage on the Ugandan market bottled by Coca-Cola Beverages Africa using products made fully in Uganda, in support of the government’s Buy Uganda, Build Uganda initiative.

Climb Up Milk is bottled by Rwenzori Bottling Company Limited, a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, using only products made in Uganda.

Recently President Museveni lauded the company for supporting the government’s Buy Uganda, Build Uganda initiative and supporting the economy.

“In 1972 when I discovered milk could be packaged I did not look back. I have been worried that your drinks might decline because people prefer nutritious drinks that quench thirst but also provide food value. It is good that you have realized this and started bottling milk,” Museveni said.

The Climb Up components include milk supplied by Lato Milk, which directly benefits Ugandan dairy farmers, sugar supplied by the Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL) that supports sugar cane farmers in Lugazi, and packaging elements supplied by Riley Packaging Industries, Bhumi Tapes and Graphic Systems Limited.

According to the Group’s Africa Managing Director Jacques Vermeulen, the company has pursued a local sourcing strategy for a number of years before the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda initiative was launched, under a company commitment titled, “A Better Africa”.

He says the company will introduce more innovations of this nature that will add value to locally produced products, and provide shared value for more Ugandans.

In addition, Vermeulen thanked the government for pursuing a tax policy that encouraged increased investments in manufacturing.

“We are investing in two new lines and will continue to invest in Uganda because we believe in this beautiful country. The government has been encouraging and accommodative, which makes Uganda investor friendly. We are your partners in development and will continue to operate in Uganda,” he says.