Pilsner Lager, a brand under Uganda Breweries Limited, has made a contribution of Shs100 million towards the 29th Coronation Anniversary preparations set for September 12 this year.
The coronation anniversary, traditionally known as Empango, is an annual celebration that marks the day the Omukama of Tooro, Dr. Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, ascended to the throne at three years old.
The meeting was attended by the King, the UBL Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo, the Minister of Culture Tooro Kingdom, Hon. Peter Sunday, and other representatives from Tooro and UBL.
While at the meeting, UBL Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo congratulated King Oyo on reaching his 29th anniversary. He revealed that UBL is proud to associate with Tooro’s incredible heritage.
“Uganda Breweries, which only last month celebrated its 78th anniversary, is proud to be associated with such an incredible heritage, a celebration of the spirit of resilience from which the strongest dynasties have thrived, and we are proud to have been included in your progressive journey over the years,” Kilonzo said.
Kilonzo also added that UBL works closely with farmers in Tooro Kingdom, who for years have been supplying the company with raw materials used in the production process to make some of the most memorable brands like Pilsner Lager.
“In one year alone, we source over 1,000 tonnes of barley, 1,500 tonnes of sorghum, and 5,000 tonnes of maize from over 2,000 farmers (800 barley, 1,500 maize, 500 sorghum). We pay over 8.7 billion shillings to farmers in Kamwenge, Kabarole, and Bundibugyo. We know that farming is the backbone of this community and the country at large, and we would like to make a commitment to continuously support both the Kingdom’s and the government’s agenda to enable farmers to improve their livelihoods, whether through mechanization or by providing a ready market for their produce. In the coming years, we shall be doubling our sourcing from this region: barley from 1,000 tonnes to 2,000 tonnes and maize by 15%, from 5,000 tonnes to over 6,000 tonnes.”
The Omukama’s 29th Coronation Anniversary is expected to be a grand event, with various cultural displays, rituals, and festivities that honor the history and resilience of the Tooro Kingdom.
Edgar Kihumuro, the Brand Manager of Pilsner Lager, emphasized the brand’s commitment to celebrating Uganda’s cultural heritage.
“We are always proud to be part of celebrations that highlight the rich traditions of the Tooro people. This contribution is a testament to our dedication to supporting and preserving Uganda’s cultural heritage,” Kihumuro stated.
Pilsner Lager’s contribution will go a long way in ensuring the success of these celebrations, reinforcing the strong ties between the brand and the Tooro Kingdom.