HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Coca-Cola beverages company and Mukwano Company emerged as the overall winners in the 2024 Brand Africa 100 Awards, hosted by Publics Africa Communications.
The award ceremony, which was held at the Fontis Residence Hotel in Kampala recently honoured the most admired brands in Uganda during the year 2024.
Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, who presided over the function, pointed out that the awards are aligned with Uganda’s vision of promoting local content and driving sustainable economic growth.
She further pointed out that the recognition of the brands goes beyond celebrating success.
“It is about inspiring future generations of African entrepreneurs to embrace excellence and continue building the continent’s prosperity,” she said.
Thebe Ikalafeng, the founder of Brand Africa said that the awards are a testimony of the resilience and creativity of African brands.
“However, there is a need for greater support for local brands if they are to flourish. While Africans express confidence in their products, they often do not consume them,” he pointed out during the award ceremony.
He further said that this year’s honorees represent the spirit of African entrepreneurship, innovation, and excellence.
Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism (in red jacket) awarding some of the winners
“This proves that our continent is not just a consumer of global brands but also a creator of iconic brands that are shaping our future,” he said.
Among other things, the awards highlighted outstanding brand excellence in Uganda.
The winners were selected through a comprehensive survey conducted by Geopoll. Strategic insights were provided by Kantar, while Brand Leadership contributed detailed data analysis.
According to Geopol, while 65% of Ugandans express confidence in local brands, only 35% actively consume them. This discrepancy reflects broader challenges faced by African brands across the continent.
Some of the winners included Centenary Bank, which received two awards: the Most Admired Financial Services Bank and the award for Doing Good in Society, while MTN Uganda was recognized as the Most Admired Telecom Brand and the Most Admired Brand for Doing Good in Society outside Uganda.
Movit was awarded the Most Admired Ugandan Brand, Stanbic Bank won the Most Admired Financial Services Brand (Non-Ugandan), while Nile Breweries received the award for the Most Admired Alcoholic Brewery.
Coca-Cola was recognized as the Most Admired Non-Alcoholic Brand, while Mukwano was honored with the Overall Most Admired Brand award, as NBS TV received the title of Most Influential Media Company.
Toyota emerged as the Most Admired Car Brand, Samsung won the award for the Most Admired Electronic Brand, while Google was awarded the Most Admired Technology Brand.