Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | The Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) is making substantial strides to align with modern printing and publishing demands following significant enhancements to this historic government publisher.
With a 123-year legacy, UPPC, previously known primarily as the Uganda Gazette printer, has upgraded its operations with state-of-the-art machinery and achieved a 35% digitalization rate, aiming for 80% within five years.
At its first-ever stakeholders’ engagement, UPPC unveiled the electronic version of the Uganda Gazette and launched the “Gov Info Hub” web portal, designed to provide Ugandans with comprehensive government information.
This initiative, under the theme “Enhancing Customer Loyalty through Excellent Service Delivery,” seeks to improve interaction and communication between UPPC and its clientele.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, represented by Robert Kasule Ssebunnya, head of the delivery unit in the Office of the Prime Minister, commended UPPC’s modernization efforts. She noted that these advancements could save the government up to USD 10 million currently spent on outsourcing printing services abroad.
The Prime Minister also urged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with the presidential directive to contract all printing needs to UPPC, given its enhanced capabilities.
Robert Kasule Ssebunnya, as a quality assurance unit leader, committed to consulting the auditor general regarding MDAs that do not adhere to this directive. He also encouraged UPPC to boost its market presence and advocate for key contracts, particularly those involving security elements such as ballot printing, emphasizing the importance of presenting itself effectively to MDAs.
Milly Babalanda, the Minister for the Presidency, represented by Sadat Kisuyi, assistant commissioner for finance and planning, praised UPPC’s impressive transformation. She lauded the management for fostering strong client relationships, essential for business trust.
UPPC Board Chairperson Joachim Buwembo recounted the corporation’s near-defunct state a year ago, lacking capacity for basic operations. He highlighted the board’s mission to revitalize the corporation and restore its esteemed position.
“We are here for a specific assignment to turn around the organization, and I think we are on the right trajectory,” Buwembo stated.
Buwembo also announced UPPC’s plans to establish a printing school to promote industry professionalism. He emphasized that UPPC aims to guide the industry rather than compete within it.
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Additionally, he requested that the corporation handle confidential government documents, revealing ongoing collaborations with NIRA to print millions of national registration forms, a task deemed unsuitable for private companies.
UPPC Chief Executive Officer Sudi Nangoli shared that the stakeholders’ engagement aimed to build trust and loyalty for long-term relationships, integrating stakeholders into the product development process.
He reported an increase in customer satisfaction rates to 80%, largely due to the adoption of digital machinery. The new customer service portal has also significantly improved customer interaction and communication.
Nangoli noted the corporation has received highly positive feedback from customers, with a notable increase in clientele over the past year.
