It’s not a bout salary rise or rather good working conditions that make up great successful leaders, it’s the ability to rise up and be able to bring forth the company to where it can be significantly felt and adored and admired.
It is creating that conducive working environment; one favorable to everyone is what great leaders do. These and more are what filled the air on Saturday afternoon in Luzira. In fact, if one stepped foot in Luzira based office that also doubles as NBL’s headquarters and its surrounding areas, they would feel something absolutely big was going on and yes! Friends and family, fellow scholars among others were bidding farewell to Mr. Francis Onapito Ekomoloit from Nile Breweries Limited to the same company again but this time round, to the top most position!
The glamorous event was heavily embraced by the big names in Uganda and beyond including Ministers, MPs, different CEOs and captains of industries and companies among others, who heaped praises on Onapito having incredibly performed well, over and beyond thus putting the company on top of the rest and right at the helm of customers.
The same event was venue for the announcement of Emmanuel Njuki who was appointed as new Lead of Legal and Corporate Affairs, replacing Ekomoloit. This was followed by the symbolic assumption of his new office which was later on followed by the launch of his book “Tears and Triumph: My Journey with Museveni” that chronicles Onapito’s Inspirational Journey right from his primary school all the way to Parliament, State house and finally to NBL.
The event honored Mr. Ekomoloit’s outstanding accomplishments and contributions while he was employed by NBL as well as his current position as the company’s Board Chairman. The farewell event was presided over by Hon. Musa Ecweru, the State Minister for Works and Transport, as the chief guest, with attendance from Hon. Amelia Anne Kyambadde, Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry to the President of the Republic of Uganda, and Adu Rando, Country Director of Nile Breweries, government officials, media among other key stakeholders.
Mr. Adu Rando, the NBL Country Director acknowledged Mr. Ekomoloit’s significant impact on the company’s development and success. He said, “When people mention Nile Breweries, the first thing that comes to their minds is Onapito. His dedication and expertise have been invaluable to our success. We are excited to see him take on the role of Board Chairman.”
Juliana Kaggwa, Director of Corporate Relations at East African Breweries Limited in Uganda (UBL) who was also at the attendance, told guests that working with Onapito at the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association (UAIA) where she deputizes him, has changed her life than ever before due to the mentorship Onapito equips them with.
Kaggwa also revealed that she was the very first UBL employee to cross the gate of NBL and all that was due to Ona’s incredible leadership.
On his side, Hon. Musa Ecweru, expressed gratitude to Mr. Ekomoloit for his remarkable efforts. He said, “I want to thank Onapito Ekomoloit for raising the flag high for Uganda, Teso and most especially Wera Sub- County in Amuru district where he hails from. I also want to thank NBL for creating close to 30,000 job opportunities in Teso as these support families and transform lives. We hope NBL continues to increase employment opportunities, and enhance livelihoods even further.”
Hon. Amelia Kyambadde, who had the pleasure of collaborating closely with Ekomoloit throughout their time at State House, characterized him as a person who was tremendously diligent. She complimented his abilities to deliver disseminate news even in places with limited access to technology. Hon. Kyambadde appreciated Onapito for reacting to pressing and critical issues with calmness and thoughtfulness.
While addressing guests, Ona expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received at NBL despite his background of working at State House. He reminisced, “In my earlier days, I would often envision a future where I would work with NBL, launch my own book, and host esteemed guests like yourself.
Today, I stand before you, having transformed from a raw and inexperienced individual to a refined and accomplished person.”Onapito Ekomoloit also known as Ona has emerged a key character in the recently launched book “Tears and Triumph.” The memoir recounts his inspirational rise to national fame of a young kid who was nurtured in an impoverished community in Teso, in Uganda’s North-Eastern region. Overcoming many obstacles, such as the premature death of his mother, Ona went through a path of resilience and success.
While initially aspiring to become a lawyer, Onapito followed a different path that led him to become a highly respected journalist. His journey eventually took him to the position of press secretary to President Yoweri Museveni before he transitioned into a corporate executive role.
For 17 years, Mr. Ekomoloit served as the Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Nile Breweries Limited. Despite his corporate achievements, Ekomoloit has maintained a strong connection to his media background, regularly participating in Uganda’s media talk shows. His humility and enigmatic nature continue to captivate audiences.
Readers will be moved by Mr. Ekomoloit’s fortitude and tenacity in the face of difficulty after reading “Tears and Triumph,” which provides an engrossing narrative of his life. The company anticipates Mr. Ekomoloit’s continuous direction and leadership as he assumes his new position as the Board Chairman of Nile Breweries Limited, building upon the basis of excellence he has established.
To further appreciate his outstanding efforts, NBL came up with the special edition of Ona Special beer and is currenly on the market. It was also confirmed that Onapito Day will be celebrated every 16th of June in honor of Mr. Onapito Ekomoloit.
