Nile Breweries Achieves 40% Reduction in Water Usage at Mbarara Brewery

Nile Breweries Limited (NBL), a subsidiary of ABInBev, has successfully reduced water consumption at its Mbarara brewery by 40% since its commissioning in 2013. This significant achievement was announced during the World Water Day commemoration in Mbarara.

George Odong, Brewing Manager at Mbarara Brewery, attributed the reduction to the implementation of innovative solutions that optimize water consumption. “Water is essential to our brewing process and the communities we serve. We’re committed to using this vital resource responsibly,” Odong stated.

The brewery has installed advanced water treatment and recycling systems, purifying and reusing water within its production processes, Automated processes and high-efficiency cooling systems have been incorporated to optimize water use and reduce wastage.

The brewery has invested in water treatment technologies, ensuring all water used in the brewing process is thoroughly treated before discharge.

The Mbarara Brewery relies on River Rwizi as its primary water source. To enhance water availability and quality, the brewery has contributed to restoring the river and addressing water security challenges within its catchment area through collaborative partnerships.

NBL and its partners have planted bamboo trees along River Rwizi banks to restore its ecosystem, strengthening the riverbank, preventing soil erosion, and enhancing the river’s natural filtration system.

Approximately 1,000 households have been mobilized to adopt sustainable land management practices, reducing their dependency on the river’s immediate resources. Nine rainwater harvesting systems have been installed, with 13 more under construction, providing drinking water to hundreds of households.

Clare Asiimwe, Corporate Affairs Manager at NBL, emphasized the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable water use. 

“We understand the interconnectedness of our operations and the health of River Rwizi. We’re actively collaborating with local partners to address water security challenges,” Asiimwe said.