UPPC to digitise 80% of its printing by 2026-MD Prof Nangoli

Kampala, UG: The Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) Thursday said it aims to have 80% of its printing products digitised by 2026 as the corporation visualises to be a market leader in security printing and publishing on the continent.

This was revealed by UPPC Managing Director Prof Sudi Nangoli while unveiling the Corporation’s Transformative Five-Year Strategic Plan (2023-2028) on Thursday saying with the focus now shifting into the digital space, it’s prudent that UPPC also taps into this rich landscape to harness the power of technology in enhancement of its products offerings to the public.

“Embracing technology, the corporation aims to digitize 80% of its product offerings by 2026, in alignment with the national digitization roadmap that was recently launched,” said Prof Nangoli at a function held at Esella Country Hotel in Najjera, Kampala on Thursday morning.

The newly appointed MD of the corporation added that during the next five years, UPPC will put emphasis on environmentally secure printing and publishing solutions by providing quality, secure printing to government agencies, independent stakeholders and the private sector.

To infuse the environmental sustainability goals, Prof Nangoli said that UPPC has set strategies to attract clients who prioritize sustainability at the core point of their activities, a thematic area he says will help foster a mutual and beneficial partnership.

“Partnerships with sustainability-focused clients will contribute to both environmental conservation and financial sustainability,” Prof Nangoli noted.

The Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda in her speech as the Chief Guest stressed that UPPC’s Strategic Plan seamlessly integrates Uganda’s Vision 2040, National Development Plan III, and the NRM manifesto.

“The corporation’s trajectory aligns with national aspirations, focusing on industrialization, the Buy Uganda Build Uganda initiative, and generating substantial employment opportunities in the printing industry and related value chains.

She added that the vision of UPPC is to position itself as the best printer on the continent, after the acquisition of the corporation’s technological advancements, including the state-of-the-art 7K HP Indigo color machine, positioning UPPC as a global standard bearer in printing.

“The commitment to innovation, citing the development of an e-gazette as a testament to UPPC’s adaptability to digital trends, and the acquisition of a seven color modern machines forms the nucleus of UPPC’s organizational capacity expansion, signalling a dynamic future,” Ms Babalanda said.

According to Hon Babalanda, “UPPC’s strategic joint venture with the German Consortium of Veridos represents a groundbreaking development, enabling the secure printing of vital documents like passports, driving permits, and land titles.”

“The collaboration with the Uganda Security Printing Company (USPC) is composed to revolutionize the industry, ensuring enhanced security features and efficiency in document production,” she added.

The Board Chairman UPPC, Mr Joachim Buwembo, in his remarks, highlighted the corporation’s four strategic pillars of perpetual assessment and improvement, robust strategic planning, meticulous performance measurement, and streamlined operations which he said underpin UPPC’s unwavering pursuit of excellence year after year.

Mr Buwembo said UPPC’s strategies to source inputs in large quantities will enhance market competitiveness, reduce operational costs, and drive efficiency.

Additionally, the Board Chairman said the corporation is exploring diversity through complementary products such as scholastic materials, publishing and expanding its offerings and expanding its market reach.

“As UPPC embarks on this transformative journey, the corporation invites all stakeholders to continuously shape its strategic direction through real-time feedback, Mr Buwembo said, before adding that the insights, perspectives, and feedback of UPPC partners will be invaluable in driving ongoing improvements and adaptations to the evolving landscape

The 2023-2028 UPPC Strategic Plan was launched under the theme “Focus on Enhancing Value through Improved Corporate Governance, Customer Excellence, and Efficient Business Processes,” which underscores the Corporation’s steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, providing exemplary service to clients, and optimizing internal processes for maximum efficiency.

The transformative strategic plan also culminates the collaborative efforts of UPPC’s dedicated staff and the invaluable support from stakeholders, under the visionary leadership of the Honourable Milly Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency, and Hajji Yunus Kakande.

UPPC, is a public enterprise fully owned by the Uganda Government, under the Office of the President. The Corporation is mandated to print and publish all public documents including the Uganda Gazette; the official Government newspaper of record.

UPPC’s head office is located in Entebbe, along Airport Road with a major outline in Kampala City at Airways House. Other outlets are in Mbale, Jinja, Hoima, Mbarara, Fort Portal and Kapchorwa among others.