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Hoima, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | To boost business growth for its retailers, Nile Breweries has trained over 400 local retailers in Bunyoro and Mbarara districts in entrepreneurship, digital, and financial skills. The initiative, named GRIT – Growing Retailers Innovatively Together – aims to upskill retailers and help them expand their businesses.
During the training in Hoima District, Adu Rando, Managing Director of Nile Breweries Limited (NBL), mentioned that the brewery plans to train over 14,000 retailers nationwide, focusing on three key pillars: growth, education, and inclusion.
“Entrepreneurship involves supporting and uplifting small and medium-sized businesses across our value chain, from local farmers to retailers. We aim to drive meaningful change for our retailers and the communities they serve,” said Rando. “We are training and developing the owners of bars, shops, and retail businesses to manage their operations more efficiently and professionally, enabling their continuous growth. Often, there is a knowledge gap due to a lack of formal training, which we are addressing through these comprehensive programs and training sessions.”
The training also included guidance on avoiding illicit brews. Research indicates that 65% of all alcohol consumed in Uganda is illicit, with much of it being harmful. “We have engaged the Ugandan government and plan to make significant progress in reducing the availability of cheap, illicit, and harmful alcohol to consumers,” Rando added.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Uganda’s economy, accounting for 90% of the business sector, employing over 2.5 million people, and contributing approximately 20% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Rando highlighted that the retailers received tailored business training in financial and stock management, alongside coaching and mentoring programs to support their continuous development as entrepreneurs.
“Increased investment in education will lead to economic growth. Upskilling retailers will help them grow their businesses and invest in their families and communities. Our ultimate goal is to drive entrepreneurial development, business growth, and sustainability for our retail partners,” Rando stated.
“This is the first entrepreneurship training I have attended since starting my business. I finally understand how to track my accounts, manage my stock effectively, and maximize my profits,” said Evelyn Alioru, a bar owner in Masindi. “The financial training has equipped me with the skills to grow my business sustainably and make informed decisions for the future.”
The training was conducted in partnership with MTN MoMo. John Ronald Isabirye, the Corporate Sales Manager at MTN MoMo, noted that the training is helping distributors and retailers transition to cashless operations in their daily activities. “Going cashless is crucial for access to financial services by leveraging digital and mobile technologies that reach individuals and businesses,” said Isabirye. “This initiative reduces risk, improves record keeping, and enhances the visibility of business transactions.”
