Uganda Breweries provides relief to 60 families after Sebei landslides

KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda Breweries Limited has delivered emergency relief to 60 families in the Sebei sub-region following a series of devastating landslides that killed several people and destroyed homes earlier this year.

Between Sept. 29 and Nov. 1, four major landslides struck the districts of Kapchorwa, Kween and Bukwo. The disasters followed heavy rains that displaced dozens of households and wiped out local farms.

Among those affected was Francis Mangusho, a resident of Tuikat Sub-county in Kween District. Mangusho lost his home, his crops and one of his two children when mudslides buried his property on the night of Sept. 29.

We are grateful to be alive but are working to rebuild our lives, Mangusho said.

The relief package from the brewery included food, blankets and supplies donated by company employees. The intervention coincides with the 60th anniversary of the company’s Uganda Waragi brand.

Joseph Kawuki, agribusiness manager at Uganda Breweries, said the company felt compelled to act because of its deep ties to the Mt. Elgon community. The brewer sources barley and sorghum from farmers in the area.

Uganda Waragi has always embodied the true Ugandan spirit of togetherness and showing up for one another, Kawuki said. Supporting them during this time is important because we are standing with our community.

Hilda Aguti, marketing manager for mainstream spirits, said the supplies were selected based on the immediate needs of displaced families.

The company also plans to provide free barley seedlings to all farmers in Tuikat Sub-county to help restore their livelihoods.

Environmental experts have warned that the region remains at risk for future mudslides without long-term interventions. Uganda Breweries recently launched the Elgon Pamoja Partnership to address these issues through reforestation, terracing and sustainable farming practices intended to protect the local watershed.

Uganda Breweries is a subsidiary of East African Breweries Limited. Its flagship product, Uganda Waragi, was first distilled in 1965 and is produced at Port Bell.