‘Future of printing and publishing in Uganda bright’

Last year, UPPC through the government signed a joint venture deal with the German-based Veridos. How does the joint venture impact on the company’s operations?

The joint venture was signed between the Government of Uganda through UPPC and a consortium of German based companies Veridos Gmh and G& D. In this Joint Venture, UPPC owns 51% of the shares while our consortium partners own 49%. The impact that this arrangement has on UPPC’s operations once put in effect is twofold: First, shifts most of the original mandate of UPPC in undertaking direct printing and publishing of all government sensitive information for Ministries, departments and agencies to the joint venture company; the Uganda Security Printing Company Ltd (USPCL).  This is to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in government business.

Secondly, it indirectly expands the mandate of UPPC by bringing on board other highly sensitive documents such as e-passports and banks cheques, which have historically been printed from abroad back to UPPC through its venture company. The deal is that once UPPC is revamped and put on full functioning capacity all operations of the JV will be handed back to UPPC. It’s an exciting future.

What progress has been made since the government entered into partnership with Veridos?

Well, the partnership agreement was formerly signed on October 4, 2018. Since then, some activities like registering the company, payment of shareholder capital, supply of initial e-passports to Ministry of Internal Affairs by the company and a few other activities are taking place as stakeholder alignment to the vision and mission of UPPC and its strategic partner, USPCL continues to take place. In the meantime, UPPC continues to operate normally until the JV Company’s activities become fully operational in the country…at UPPC headquarters in Entebbe.

The increase in technological advancement has impacted on various sectors with the printing industry being unexceptional. What initiatives is the company undertaking to ensure that it remains relevance in the digital era?

Our broader vision for the joint venture company –USPCL is to revamp UPPC. This means a total refurbishment and face-lift of UPPC to be able to undertake its entire mandate effectively as reflected in UPPC Act. By this, I envision a well-equipped and facilitated state of the art printing press, strong and improved operating systems and technology transferred to Ugandans to guarantee continuity of UPPC beyond the life of the joint venture company. Digital printing and the use of the latest technology, graphics designs, sophisticated pre-press printing and post production equipment will be used to offer our customers the best quality printing services as we grow our business.

What are some challenges, if any, that UPPC faces in conducting its business?

Financial limitations have been a challenge to UPPC’s work. This has been aggravated by historical factors including inherited liabilities of debt, poor machinery, non-compliance by previous management, among others. New avenues for financial increase have ended up meeting the historical commitments of the corporation hence stifling its growth and progress. Secondly, until the full operationalisation of the new Joint venture company and rehabilitation of UPPC to undertake its full mandate, there are still systemic and structural challenges. The good news is that a sustainable solution has now been found through the USPCL.

What is the future outlook of printing business in Uganda?

The future of printing and publishing in Uganda is bright!! More and more Ugandans are getting literate and therefore in need of literature to read. The young generation which forms the majority of our population is embracing new technologies, most of them are digital. This will aid and promote the reading culture. The printing industry in Uganda stands to benefit when it embraces technology. Uganda now has only 38% of illiteracy rate and it is fast catching up to reduce it to zero, thereby making it the most literate country in the African region. Statistics show that every 5% periodical rise in literacy is sufficient for the printing and publishing industry in Uganda to grow by leaps and bounds. In addition, there is eagerness on the part of the country to improve its packaging sector through the emergence of supermarkets and other business ventures. Printing and publishing are inseparable. So, printing and packaging too is another pair of inseparable ventures. The industry for publishing on one hand and packaging on the other is printing. It has the potential to grow to unlimited levels.

Where do you see UPPC in the next five years?

I see UPPC positioned as leader in security Printing and Publishing in Uganda and in the region with a full competitive advantage, influencing trends in the global Printing and Publishing industry.  We will be positioned to regain the market share. I look forward to be a part of this exciting future.