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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) is actively formulating strategies aimed at revitalizing its presence and maintaining competitiveness in the printing and publishing sectors.
According to Professor Sudi Nangoli, the Managing Director of UPPC, the comprehensive plan involves the development of clear strategies for sourcing cost-effective inputs in large quantities, undercutting competitors, and reducing operational costs.
Professor Nangoli expressed confidence that with the proper implementation of these initiatives, UPPC will not only witness an increase in demand, production output, and revenue but also a significant enhancement in overall operational efficiency.
Professor Nangoli made these announcements Thursday while unveiling UPPC’s five-year strategic plan, which will be in effect from 2023 to 2028. UPPC, renowned for publishing the Uganda Gazette, holds the distinction of being the official state’s printing and publishing agency, with a rich history spanning 120 years.
However, recent years have presented significant challenges for the corporation, characterized by issues such as incompetence, corruption, abuse of office, and internal discord among board members and senior officials. In 2016, these challenges reached a critical point, prompting an investigation by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), which recommended the removal of the corporation’s board, a recommendation that was duly executed.
Since then, UPPC has been actively involved in internal reforms, including the appointment of a new board and management team, as it strives to overcome recent setbacks and restore its reputation for efficient and responsible operations. Professor Nangoli acknowledged that the rebranded UPPC recognizes the importance of bridging the capacity gap and expanding its range of product offerings.
As part of their strategy, they aim to revitalize the printing school, ensuring that all participants in the printing sector, including those located on Nasser Road, deliver high-quality services. He further revealed that UPPC has entered into memoranda of understanding with several universities to provide vocational training opportunities in this field.
The Minister of the Presidency, Hon. @millybabalanda, has formally inaugurated the #UPPCStrategicPlan. pic.twitter.com/24kTpXa5lN
— Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation – UPPC (@uppc_uganda) September 14, 2023
In addition to capacity building, UPPC is planning to reinvigorate its publishing division with the goal of boosting revenue generation. In recent times, UPPC has primarily focused on producing The Gazette, one of its core statutory obligations, and catering to various clients’ printing needs.
Kenneth Oluka, the Publishing Manager at UPPC, acknowledged the challenges faced by the publishing division in recent years, including periods marked by the absence of established management and leadership. He emphasized the need for UPPC to expand its publishing role, both as a commercial entity and as an information provider.
“In all honesty, our cooperation has recently maintained a somewhat subdued presence in the publishing realm…but we have realized that we needed to have this publishing role as a commercial entity but also as an entity charged with provisioning information. Countless uncharted territories of content await publication, and UPPC possesses the capacity to embark on this endeavor,” Oluka said in a recent interview.
Joachim Buwembo, UPPC’s board chairperson, expressed confidence that if the laid plans are executed effectively, UPPC will unlock its full potential to provide superior printing and publishing services to government and private clients.
He highlighted the introduction of a new top management role dedicated to quality assurance, aimed at ensuring the highest standards in their services. Minister Milly Babirye Babalanda welcomed the ongoing transformations within UPPC.
She challenged the new board and management to harness the full potential of the corporation’s assets while prioritizing the delivery of exceptional social services to the people of Uganda. She stressed the importance of maintaining profitability, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy, and embracing technological advancements.
The majority of the plans being formulated are centered on enhancing UPPC’s significance and profitability. Despite its government ownership, UPPC operates autonomously and maintains its financial sustainability, without relying on resources from the consolidated fund.
However, recent auditor general’s reports have indicated a consistent decline in UPPC’s profitability. For instance, in the past year, UPPC’s profits witnessed a significant decrease of 60 percent, with earnings totaling Shs1.204 billion by June 2022, down from Shs3.383 billion reported in the corresponding period ending in June 2021.
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