Africa-Press – Uganda. In a bid to standardise the hospitality industry while enhancing service excellence, Uganda Breweries
Limited (UBL)’s Diageo Bar Academy 2025 training programme has continued to build the skills of
bartenders, waiters, and waitresses across the country.
According to Steven Baguma, UBL’s Reserve Ambassador, the two-month training initiative has so far
upskilled 1,650 hospitality professionals, significantly improving their competitiveness within the
sector.
He made these remarks during a training session for over 30 staff members at Kampala Serena Hotel.
“We have been on a two-month marathon training waiters and bartenders through our Diageo Bar Academy face-to-face programme. As we near the end of the sessions, I’m pleased to share that we
have trained 1,650 hospitality professionals, including waiters and bartenders,” Baguma said.
Uganda’s growing hospitality and tourism industries demand well-trained staff to create exceptional
guest experiences.
The programme is in line with national efforts to raise service standards and support tourism sector growth.
Baguma noted that the programme, mainly conducted in Kampala and Entebbe, has already shown
positive results, with many participants excited about the opportunity to learn.
“They’re now hooked on our Diageo Bar Academy website, where they can continue learning and earn certificates independently. The site is full of resources—for aspiring mixologists, bar managers, cocktail makers, and those keen to master customer care and proper service. In fact, there are over 20 courses available that can skill someone to the level of a college-certified professional,” he explained.
Jane Apio, Diageo Master Bar Academy (MBA) trainer, highlighted the programme’s impact on
women in the sector, noting a rise in female participation in bartending.
“With the DBA programme, we follow a step-by-step approach starting with theory, followed by
practical sessions, and then enrolling participants onto the website for continued learning. This
initiative is empowering women. Previously, many were limited to waitress roles, today, more are
stepping into bartending and even aspiring to become trainers like myself. We’re proud to see
women taking up these opportunities,” said Apio.
“The resources provided can elevate someone from entry-level roles like cleaning or waitressing to becoming a bartender or even a trainer. The more we equip staff with knowledge, the better they perform, especially in customer service which is a major boost for the industry.”
The training programme aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan III, which prioritises
workforce skills development.
With 800,000 young people entering the labour force annually (World Bank, 2024), initiatives like the Diageo Bar Academy are critical to bridging the skills gap and creating meaningful employment opportunities.
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