The leadership of the Uganda Alcohol Industrial Association (UAIA) met with Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Geraldine Ssali at the Ministry Head Quarters on 31st March 2022.
UAIA is an association that brings together all alcoholic beverage manufacturers in Uganda and was established in 2006 by major producers of the same to ease engagement, collectively lobby with government agencies on issues of mutual interest as well as co-ordinate and direct activities aimed at promoting responsible use and marketing of alcoholic beverages.
The association is a big player in the economy of the country since according to statistics from the Ministry of Finance, the alcohol sector contributes 38.7% to Uganda’s tax base. As if that is not enough some UAIA members are among the top 10 taxpayers in Uganda contributing billions of tax revenue to the nation.
Collectively, the association has over the years been a source of income and livelihood to thousands of farmers countrywide and accelerated job creation along the other elements of the value chain among distributors, retailers and support staff.
Speaking during the meeting, Juliana Kagwa the Vice Chairperson of the association thanked the PS for giving the association audience and asked her to be a champion for the welfare of the millions of Ugandans whose livelihood depends on the alcohol industry’s existence and prosperity.
“We are expanding this association to have space for farmers, distributors and retailers so that we collectively advocate for the wellbeing of everyone on one platform since whatever affects the manufacturer creates a ripple down effect to everyone across that value chain that I have described. Including the consumers, actually.” She said.
Tahakanizibwa, the association General Secretary, presented before the Permanent Secretary all the matters currently affecting the operation of the industry to include lacunas in the execution of the Digital Tax Stamps (DTS), illicit alcohol trade that is affecting health and tax revenue, and the need to harmonize standards in the industry among others.
The Permanent Secretary pledged cooperation between the Ministry and the Association for better relations and acknowledged the need to involve them in regulatory matters concerning the sector.
