Prof. Sudi Nangoli Leads UPPC to Triumph at the 4th KACITA Quality Awards

*By John Kusolo*

In an inspiring celebration of innovation and quality, Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC), under the astute leadership of Managing Director Prof. Sudi Nangoli, has added another feather to its cap. The corporation proudly clinched the "Outstanding Publishing Company of the Year" award at the recently held Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) Quality Awards. The prestigious ceremony, now in its fourth edition, was marked by grandeur and optimism, reflecting KACITA's enduring commitment to recognize excellence across Uganda’s business and service sectors.

Organized under the theme, “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Innovation,” the KACITA Quality Awards were held at the Wonder World Auditorium in Kansanga. The awards drew participation from diverse industries, honoring companies that have made a significant impact in the Ugandan business landscape by embracing quality and innovation in their respective fields. In the publishing sector, UPPC stood out for its steadfast dedication to quality in publishing, positioning itself as a leader and standard-bearer for excellence.

Prof. Sudi Nangoli, Managing Director of UPPC, expressed deep gratitude for the accolade, remarking that it represented the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence. In his words, “This recognition truly reflects our unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. Thank you to everyone who voted and to our dedicated team at UPPC who work tirelessly to maintain the standards our stakeholders expect.” His words resonated with the audience, highlighting the diligence and passion he has infused into the UPPC culture since taking on the leadership role.

Prof. Nangoli, an academic and business strategist with extensive experience, has been instrumental in re-aligning UPPC's mission to meet the evolving demands of Uganda’s dynamic publishing industry. He has implemented a strategic vision that focuses on producing high-quality publications and diversifying UPPC’s offerings to meet the growing demand for digital content. This strategic pivot has positioned UPPC as a forward-looking entity, capable of serving the digital and print needs of both government and private-sector clients.

Under Prof. Nangoli’s stewardship, UPPC has prioritized quality in every aspect of its operations. This dedication has been evident in its recent projects and publications, which adhere to stringent quality standards and reflect a nuanced understanding of the evolving publishing landscape. From government publications to educational materials, UPPC’s catalog showcases a commitment to clarity, accuracy, and durability, meeting the high expectations of its clients and stakeholders.

The KACITA Quality Award further acknowledges UPPC’s strides in embracing innovation within the sector. The corporation has leveraged digitalization, introducing online access to a broad range of government documents and services. This move towards digital transformation aligns with KACITA’s broader objectives of encouraging business technical embracement and digitalization, one of the key categories in the awards. Through these initiatives, UPPC has successfully bridged the gap between traditional publishing and the modern digital world, ensuring its relevance and accessibility for the digital age.

KACITA Quality Awards serve not only to recognize excellence but also to set benchmarks within Uganda's business ecosystem. This year’s awards focused on critical areas such as value addition through locally sourced raw materials, the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) campaign, quality in products and services, and the use of technology in business. UPPC’s win in the publishing category is a testament to the corporation's dedication to these principles, particularly in producing valuable content using locally available resources and integrating technology into its operations.

KACITA’s continuous plan to conduct research and awareness campaigns complements UPPC’s own values, as both entities aim to foster sustainable growth and self-reliance within Uganda’s business environment. The awards serve as a reminder of the transformative potential of prioritizing quality and innovation, inspiring other businesses and government agencies to follow suit.

Receiving the KACITA Quality Award is a milestone in UPPC’s journey, but it is far from the endpoint. For Prof. Sudi Nangoli and his team, this recognition serves as motivation to further elevate UPPC's standards. Looking ahead, UPPC is poised to expand its digital offerings, enhance its publishing quality, and continue leading initiatives that serve Uganda’s knowledge and information needs.

Prof. Nangoli has underscored the importance of staying adaptable, innovative, and client-focused. UPPC’s plans include further investment in digital platforms to facilitate the seamless dissemination of information, as well as exploring new avenues to enrich Uganda’s publishing sector. Through these efforts, UPPC aims to remain a trusted partner for government and private entities alike, contributing to the country's intellectual and economic growth.

As Uganda’s business landscape continues to evolve, the 4th KACITA Quality Awards reinforce the significance of fostering excellence, innovation, and resilience. UPPC’s victory in the “Outstanding Publishing Company of the Year” category shines a spotlight on Uganda's publishing industry, acknowledging the role it plays in informing, educating, and empowering the public.

Prof. Sudi Nangoli’s leadership exemplifies the potential of visionary stewardship in driving both public and private organizations toward excellence. This award not only celebrates UPPC’s achievements but also sets a benchmark for the entire publishing sector, inspiring other entities to uphold quality and innovation as fundamental principles in their work.

As the curtains closed on the awards ceremony at the Wonder World Auditorium, the audience left with a renewed sense of commitment to quality and a belief in the power of Ugandan businesses to excel and inspire. For Prof. Sudi Nangoli and UPPC, the path forward is clear: to continue blazing trails in Uganda’s publishing sector, ensuring that quality and excellence remain the cornerstone of their work.