Andrew Kilonzo: UBL steering ahead after Alcohol Control Bill rejection

Andrew Kilonzo, Managing Director of UBL, discusses the company's proactive stance following the rejection of the Alcohol Control Bill.

Parliament last week trashed the Alcohol Control Bill, 2023, leaving brewers and their consumers drinking to float a boat. Pedson Mumbere caught up with Mr Andrew Kilonzo, the Uganda Breweries Limited managing director, to discuss the implications of the rejection and where the flow of one Jesus' most famed miracles goes.

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How did you react to the Alcohol Control Bill’s dismissal?

Honestly, it didn’t catch us off guard. UBL operates in a tightly regulated space, so for us, it's about staying the course. We’re committed to ensuring our products are both available and responsibly consumed, regardless of the bill’s fate.

Without the bill, how will UBL champion responsible drinking?

Responsible drinking is in our DNA. We’ve invested significantly in public awareness campaigns tackling underage drinking, binge drinking, and drink driving. Our efforts, in partnership with the government, will continue driving the message of moderation home.

Do you believe current laws are enough to handle the industry's challenges?

The foundation is strong, but there's always room for improvement. While existing laws address many issues, there’s a critical need to clamp down on illicit, informal, and unregulated alcohol, which remains a significant challenge.

What dangers does illicit alcohol pose to consumers and the industry?

The risks are immense—health hazards for consumers and an unfair competitive landscape for legitimate businesses like UBL. Tackling this issue is essential to protect public safety and maintain the industry’s integrity.

How does UBL plan to combat the problem of illicit alcohol?

We’re fully behind initiatives targeting illicit alcohol. This means collaborating closely with regulators to ensure stringent measures are in place, protecting both consumers and responsible industry players.

What role does UBL intend to play in shaping Uganda’s alcohol regulations?

As an industry leader, UBL has a duty to actively participate in regulatory discussions. We aim to be a constructive voice, advocating for balanced laws that protect consumers while fostering a healthy business environment.

What alternatives exist for regulating the alcohol industry without the bill?

Enforcing existing laws more rigorously is crucial. Public education on the risks of illicit alcohol, along with incentives for local producers to follow regulations, can make a big difference in maintaining a safer industry.

How does sustainability intersect with UBL’s regulatory approach?

Sustainability is the thread that ties all our efforts together, from production to consumption. By pushing for better regulations and promoting responsible drinking, we’re aligning our environmental and social goals with our business objectives.

What hurdles do you anticipate in tackling illicit alcohol, and how will UBL overcome them?

The informal sector is a tough nut to crack, deeply ingrained in the market. We plan to overcome this with a combination of stricter law enforcement, awareness campaigns, and helping small producers transition to the formal sector. It’s a challenge, but we’re up for it.

What’s your vision for UBL in the next five years in terms of regulation and responsible drinking?

In five years, I see UBL at the forefront of not just sales, but also in setting the gold standard for responsible drinking and sustainability. We’ll keep innovating, supporting our communities, and working with regulators to ensure a fair and thriving industry.

Our aim is to be the benchmark for business excellence and corporate responsibility.