Bata Uganda expansion plans revealed
In an address to company employees last week, the managing director of Uganda Bata Shoe Company Limited, Jaswant Singh, revealed his company’s plans for expansion in Africa.
Speaking at a reception to honour six long-serving employees, Singh said the company intends to export its leather footwear to neighbouring Rwanda, Congo and Sudan, and that it is also looking to expand its network of outlets across Uganda.
"We are trying to satisfy the local demand first, before we begin exporting," said Singh, who additionally announced that the company will be opening outlets in Mityana and Lira, as well as introducing a new range of footwear designs based on local market research.
During the presentation, each of the employees received a certificate, a medal with an emblem of Thomas Bata, the Canadian founder of the brand and cash envelopes. Other long serving workers also received recognition. The visiting executive regional director for Bata Shoe Africa, Mr. Bengt Gunnarsson commended the local franchise for sustaining business. "Sometimes business is not easy, but you guys have a done a good job. It takes efforts and dedication," he said.
Gunnarsson flew in from Nairobi after taking part in a one week regional conference to discuss regional business prospects. He said he was in Uganda to see how Bata Uganda could improve and to advise management on various managerial and production issues.
