Uganda Breweries Limited Shareholders have appointed Mr. Japheth Katto as the new Board Chairman taking over from Dr. Alan Shonubi, who chaired his last Annual General Meeting on October 12th. Dr. Shonubi has served as chairman since 2009.
Mr. Japheth Katto, who has been a member of the UBL board since 2014, brings with him immense experience in leadership, corporate governance and sound accounting both in the private and public sector; being the current Board Chairman of Stanbic Bank Uganda and previously having held the role of CEO of Uganda’s Capital Markets Authority from inception in 1998 until 2013. Mr. Katto is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Uganda and a member of the Global Council of the UK based Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) amongst many others.
Speaking at his farewell Dr. Shonubi said, “It has been an incredible journey of nearly a decade of shepherding UBL to great market and industry milestones and I appreciate the support from the rest of the Board and Executive team that enabled me to achieve so much success during my time here. I will miss UBL but I am comforted in the knowledge that I leave the business in safe hands”
During Dr. Shonubi’s leadership, Uganda Breweries Limited enjoyed leadership for innovation within the industry, significantly positively impacted community through several water harvesting solutions and forest restoration programs. The Brewery has also realized significant overall business growth and expanded both its spirits and beer capacity.
Dr. Shonubi’s guidance has also seen UBL strengthen farmers’ programs that inject over UGX. 20 billion shillings in farming communities annually and invest in a UGX. 18.9 billion Effluent Treatment plant that helps to convert industry waste into manure for animal farmers and filters waste water before it is disposed of back into Lake Victoria cleaner than it was taken out.
Speaking to Mr. Mark Ocitti, UBL Managing Director who is also a member of the UBL board about the transition, he said the business was very thankful to Alan for his great service and guidance through the years and expressed confidence in the incoming chairman.
“We are grateful for his knowledge, leadership, consistency and insights that have helped us to serve and grow in the industry, seeing us reach a great milestone two years ago, when we celebrated 70 years of business in Uganda” said Mark Ocitti.
“We have confidence that Japheth will pick the mantle that’s been handed him by Alan and with his expansive business and management experience lead Uganda Breweries Board and Executive leadership to even greater success in the ever changing and challenging business waters we continue to navigate as an industry. “ Mark added
In the same AGM held at the UBL offices in Luzira, Mr. Jimmy Mugerwa was appointed as a member of the Board. Mr. Mugerwa has a distinguished 25-year career in the Oil and Gas industry and is currently the Managing Director, Tullow Uganda Operations.
