Peter Rwabunyegera, an Official Coca-Cola Distributor (OCCD) with Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU), is celebrating a decade of remarkable growth in Mbarara. His journey began in October 2013 at Kizungu Market, where a modest operation has since evolved into a thriving enterprise, Rwape Investments, a trusted distributor in the region.
Melkamu Abebe, General Manager of CCBU, recently visited Peter's facility and commented, "Mr Rwabunyegera’s journey with CCBU showcases the hard work and commitment we value in our Official Coca-Cola Distributors. His success highlights the key role OCCDs play in ensuring our products reach every part of the market. We remain committed to partnering with customers for growth and excellence across the value chain."
A pivotal moment for Peter came in July 2017, when he was awarded a larger market in Isingiro District. This expansion led to increased sales and marked a significant turning point for his business. "It was a difficult journey at first, but we stabilised after two years and have recently completed our new warehouse," Peter reflected.
Measuring 80x40ft and sitting on half an acre, the new warehouse is a major milestone for Rwape Investments. It enhances Peter’s operational capacity and ensures more efficient storage and distribution of products. "This warehouse will enable us to scale up and meet the increasing demand in the region," he added.
Peter credits his success to the support from CCBU, part of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa. "The training for my sales team, access to credit facilities, and regular supervision from the Area Sales Manager and Regional Sales Manager have been crucial for maintaining a healthy business," he explained.
Networking with other OCCDs across Uganda has also been instrumental in his growth. "Attending meetings with fellow distributors has allowed me to learn, innovate, and improve my operations. It’s a great opportunity to build relationships and share insights."
Looking to the future, Peter remains optimistic about further expanding his distribution capabilities. With a solid foundation in place and a commitment to continuous improvement, Rwape Investments is well-positioned for even greater success in the distribution sector.
Abebe concluded, "At CCBU, we are dedicated to creating value and delivering exceptional service across every touchpoint. Our Route-to-Market strategy focuses on optimising operations with our OCCDs, ensuring smooth product movement from production to final consumption."
