Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU) has intensified efforts to improve water efficiency at its Rwenzori and Namanve plants by introducing innovative measures aimed at reducing water usage.
Muminu Kirunda, the Manufacturing Development Specialist at CCBU, highlighted the company's approach: "Water is essential to life, our beverages, and the communities we serve. We aim to promote water stewardship within our business to increase water use efficiency and return safe water to communities."
As part of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), CCBU is using data as a powerful tool in its water efficiency initiatives. The company continuously evaluates and improves its production methods to minimise water usage. This includes hourly monitoring of the returnable glass bottle line during the cleaning process and daily performance reviews to track the amount of water used in operations.
To foster a culture of water responsibility, CCBU conducts awareness campaigns and appoints water champions within its plants to promote best practices and prioritise water efficiency. "By monitoring our water usage, we are working to operate as efficiently as possible," explains Kirunda.
These efforts are part of a broader initiative by The Coca-Cola Company in Africa and its bottling partners. In September 2024, the company, alongside CCBA, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC), and Coca-Cola HBC, announced a nearly USD 25 million investment aimed at addressing critical water challenges in local communities across 20 African countries.
This initiative, which will run from 2024 to 2030, will be led by the Global Water Challenge (GWC) and implemented by partners such as The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). It underscores the importance of enhancing water stewardship for sustainable development.