By James Odomel

RWENZORI Bottling Company will increase capacity from 137 million litres to 171 million litres in the next six months, a top official has said.

“We are increasing our production capacity by 25% in the coming six months and hope to increase the market share from the current of 70%,” Kirowi Suma, the managing director, said on Wednesday.

He was speaking at a press conference held at their plant in Namanve.

Onapito Ekomoloit, Nile Breweries’ corporate affairs director, said the acquisition of Rwenzori Beverages by SABMiller was expected to strengthen their market position, especially in the non-alcoholic beverages market.

“Rwenzori commands Uganda’s bottled water market. No doubt this acquisition is certain to entrench SABMiller’s position in Uganda,” he said.

He declined to disclose the amount the company paid for the acquisition.

The firm produces 1.2 million hectolitres per year and exports its bottled water to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, southern Sudan and Rwanda.