Minister Babalanda Applauds Prof. Sudi Nangoli as UPPC Records Shs7.27 Billion Profit Before Tax

KAMPALA – The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babalanda, has applauded the remarkable turnaround of the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC), attributing the institution's revival to decisive leadership by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and improved governance under the newly appointed Board and Management.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the UPPC Board Retreat held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Babalanda congratulated the Board and Management for taking time to assess the Corporation's progress and map out strategies for its future growth.

She said the Corporation's recovery from years of instability demonstrates what can be achieved through visionary leadership, accountability, teamwork, and sound corporate governance.

The Minister expressed profound gratitude to President Museveni for his timely intervention during a period when the Corporation was grappling with internal wrangles, weak governance structures, and financial mismanagement.

According to Babalanda, the President's decision to appoint a new Board chaired by Mr. Joachim Buwembo and a new management team led by Prof. Sudi Nangoli restored confidence in the institution and positioned it on a path of sustainable growth.

"What was once a struggling institution has once again become worthy of the title of Government Printer," she said.

Remarkable Financial Recovery

Hon. Babalanda highlighted UPPC's impressive financial performance as evidence of the success of the reforms undertaken over the last three years.

She revealed that the Corporation had moved from recording a loss of UGX 3.06 billion during the Financial Year 2022/2023 to posting a profit of UGX 1.2 billion in FY 2023/2024, followed by UGX 1.4 billion in FY 2024/2025.

Even more significantly, she disclosed that in only the first seven months of FY 2025/2026, UPPC had already registered UGX 7.27 billion profit before tax, an achievement she described as a clear indication that the Corporation was regaining its financial strength.

She further praised the Corporation for strengthening internal controls, improving compliance with statutory obligations, and implementing a comprehensive five-year strategic plan that has significantly reduced its historical tax burden.

Acknowledges Government Support

The Minister also recognised the role played by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, alongside officials from her Ministry, for continuously supporting the Corporation throughout its recovery process.

She noted that the collaborative efforts of the Office of the President and Government technical teams had enabled UPPC to regain stability and focus on delivering its mandate efficiently.

Guarding Against Complacency

While celebrating the achievements made so far, Babalanda cautioned the Board and Management against complacency, warning that maintaining success is often more challenging than achieving it.

She urged the Corporation's leadership to eliminate internal conflicts, intrigue, and unnecessary divisions that could reverse the gains already made.

According to the Minister, institutions thrive where professionalism, teamwork, mutual respect, and a shared vision take precedence over personal interests.

She emphasised that unity within the organisation would remain critical in sustaining operational excellence and public confidence.

Embrace Digital Transformation

Hon. Babalanda challenged UPPC to accelerate its digital transformation agenda in order to remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven world.

She commended the Corporation for deploying an advanced Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and digitising the Uganda Gazette together with other government publications, making them accessible online.

However, she stressed that additional investments in digital technologies would be essential because the future of the printing and publishing industry is becoming increasingly digital.

The Minister observed that the digital transformation agenda aligns with Uganda's National Development Plan, Vision 2040, and President Museveni's governance agenda under the theme "Kisanja: No Sleeping, No Corruption," which seeks to promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability across public institutions.

Focus on Revenue Collection

Babalanda welcomed the Board's commitment to improving the Corporation's financial sustainability by targeting a 75 percent credit sales collection rate and achieving 90 percent recovery of outstanding debts.

She expressed confidence that attaining these targets would strengthen liquidity, improve cash flow, and place UPPC on a stronger financial footing.

Strengthening Service Delivery

The Minister further encouraged the Corporation to continue improving operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and institutional effectiveness.

She noted that these pillars would not only enhance UPPC's competitiveness but also protect both the Corporation and the supervising Ministry from unnecessary appearances before parliamentary oversight bodies such as the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE).

Babalanda also urged the Board and Management to maintain close collaboration with the Permanent Secretary and Government technical teams in implementing the Corporation's strategic priorities.

Government Pledges Continued Support

Reaffirming Government's commitment to the Corporation's transformation, Babalanda assured the Board and Management of her continued support and open engagement in addressing emerging challenges while pursuing new opportunities for growth.

She said Government's ambition extends beyond merely sustaining UPPC's recent recovery.

"Our objective is not merely to sustain UPPC. It is to build a modern, financially sustainable, technologically advanced, and nationally respected institution that delivers value to Government and the people of Uganda," she said.

The Minister concluded by calling upon all stakeholders to continue working together in building a stronger, more resilient, and future-ready Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation capable of supporting Government communication and national development for generations to come.