Uganda Breweries is seeking vendors for the second edition of Bell ObaFest providing opportunities for businesses in food and beverages, fashion, music and arts to participate as persons with disabilities and women owned businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.
“Following the successful first edition last year which attracted over 4000 revellers, we are currently onboarding vendors who will enhance the festival experience providing essential and related goods and services. We will onboard approximately 30 businesses, the majority being SMEs. We believe that with the extension of the event to a three-day festival, this will provide a good income generating opportunity since we intend to grow our number of attendees to over 20,000 people,” said Elizabeth Mutamuliza, Marketing Manager – Beer at Uganda Breweries Limited.
The event set a record last year as the first inclusive event, catering to the needs of persons with disabilities. This agenda falls under the Uganda Breweries commitment to inclusion and diversity through deliberate efforts to increase spend to diverse-owned, and disadvantaged businesses each year until 2030.
Insights from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) indicate that the services sector where entertainment belongs, contributes Shs47.1 trillion to Uganda’s economy through taxation which is attributed to opportunities availed to the different players within the entertainment value chain through platforms like Bell ObaFest.
Uganda’s creative industry favours youth and women encompassing arts, fashion, crafts, advertising, design, entertainment, literature, film and media, and has become a vital force in accelerating human development and driving job creation and livelihood opportunities.
Elizabeth added that Uganda Breweries is committed to doing business the right way and placing positive societal impact at the heart of its business strategy, through an ongoing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) action plan. Through the 10-year action plan, the business will create a more inclusive and sustainable environment with 50% beneficiaries of its community programs being women to enhance diversity and inclusion of underrepresented groups.
“We are fueled by the ambition to become Africa’s most sustainable festival by 2030 and Bell ObaFest is taking significant steps to minimize environmental impact and ensure a greener and more responsible festival experience. We also intend to ensure that we minimize our environmental impact by working with creatives to find unique solutions to ensure proper waste management and recycling practices. Last year we managed to recycle 83% of waste generated at the event in partnership with Asante Waste Management Ltd. We welcome ideas to do even better this year,” Elizabeth added.
