Uganda’s investment landscape received a major boost on Saturday as Pearl Liquor officially launched Offshore Vodka and other premium global alcoholic brands at Sky Hotel in Naguru, in an event stakeholders described as a strong signal of the country’s growing economic attractiveness.
Launching the products, the State Minister for Investment, Hon. Evelyn Anite, said the introduction of high-end international brands into Uganda reflects steady economic growth and rising investor confidence.
“This is a very unique product, and bringing a high-value brand into Uganda shows that the economy is growing,” Anite said.
She noted that economic growth benefits all Ugandans through better jobs, improved wages, increased government revenue and overall GDP expansion.
“The growth of Uganda’s economy does not benefit one person; it benefits all of us. It enables us to attract investors who pay better wages and companies that understand the value of the country they are working in,” she added.
Anite revealed that Uganda’s economy is currently growing at about seven percent, with projections of reaching ten percent in the next two years if the country continues to attract investors who go beyond importation to local manufacturing.
“If we continue attracting companies like Offshore Vodka to establish businesses here—not just importation but manufacturing—we will be in a position to attract even bigger brands,” she said.
She assured investors of continued government support through industrial parks, tax incentives and access to land, stressing that Uganda’s investment policies have remained consistent for over a decade.
“We are very consistent. Our policies are deliberate, and we do not change them midway. Because of that, Uganda’s trustability is increasing, and more investors are coming,” Anite said.
The minister also challenged local manufacturers to prioritize quality, arguing that Ugandan consumers are driven more by quality than price.
“Ugandans’ problem is not price; it is quality. They are happy to buy any product as long as it is durable and of good quality,” she emphasized.
Speaking at the same event, Stuart Raymond Kasule, CEO of Pearl Global Chain Ltd, said the launch brings together premium products from three countries into the Ugandan market.
“We are bringing three countries together in one room—Offshore Vodka, a premium alkaline vodka from Australia; Asahi Vodka Cruisers, which we are calling cocktails on the go; and a tequila from Mexico known as Ley 925,” Kasule said.
He described the drinks as premium, first-of-their-kind products in Africa, with Uganda selected as the launch market.
“All these are premium drinks, and they are being launched here in Uganda for the first time in Africa,” he noted.
Kasule explained that Offshore Vodka is the world’s only premium alkaline vodka, protected by patent rights that make it impossible to replicate elsewhere.
“No one else can ever make it because the company holds patent rights. We are honoured that the owner entrusted us with the rights to supply it, not only in Uganda but across Africa,” he said.
He added that Vodka Cruisers offer a convenient alternative by providing ready-made cocktails, eliminating the need for mixing.
“You can walk into a supermarket or bar and buy a cocktail on the go. It simplifies operations for mixologists and business owners,” Kasule explained.
According to Kasule, the launch is already contributing to job creation through branding, marketing and distribution, while also generating tax revenue. He said the long-term objective is to transition from importation to local manufacturing.
“The end goal is to manufacture these products here in Uganda. This is just the starting point,” he said.
Kasule revealed that discussions are ongoing with Asahi Beverages, one of the world’s largest beverage companies with more than 50 products, to establish local or regional manufacturing facilities serving East Africa.
“We want a factory in regional Africa so that drinks are produced here, creating more jobs and generating more tax revenue for Uganda,” he said.
While acknowledging challenges related to product testing, certification and taxation, Kasule expressed optimism that continued government support would ease future investments.
The launch event attracted business leaders, influencers and hospitality industry players, with organizers reporting positive market feedback ahead of nationwide distribution.
