ERAM Award puts Uganda’s Animal-Health Manufacturing Ambitions in Focus

October 26, 2026 in Companies, Trade & Industry by Editor

Director Finance Dr Alice Hope Banga, holding the award for Best Veterinary company-Platinum Winner, with other ERAM officials at the awards Gala.jpg

ERAM Uganda has won the 2026 East Africa Brand Quality Awards’ Platinum Award as Best Veterinary Company in East Africa, highlighting its manufacturing ambitions and regional expansion plans.

 

Ugandan veterinary products supplier ERAM Uganda Limited has won regional recognition as it seeks to build on three decades of operations and expand its manufacturing capabilities and market reach.

The company was named Best Veterinary Company in East Africa at the 2026 East Africa Brand Quality Awards, receiving the Platinum Award and Quality Seal of Excellence at a ceremony held at Hotel Africana’s Nile Hall in Kampala on Friday, October 16.

The award, a first for ERAM, comes as the company enters its 31st year of operations, offering an opportunity to raise its profile beyond Uganda as it develops its animal-health business.

The sixth edition of the awards brought together brands and business leaders from nine countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Ethiopia.

For Uganda, the recognition also highlights the potential for domestic enterprises to deepen capacity in veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and related products in a sector that supports livestock productivity, food security and rural livelihoods.

Founded in 1995 by veterinary professionals Edward Muhigirwa, its managing director, and Dr Alice Hope Banga, the company began as a small business in Kampala’s Container Village, seeking to improve access to veterinary products.

It has since expanded into an animal-health business supplying veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, equipment and supplements to farmers and veterinary professionals across Uganda. Its operations include headquarters at ERAM House on Hoima Road in Bakuli and a manufacturing plant in Lugazi.

Dr Banga, the company’s director of finance and administration, said the award reinforced the importance of quality and reliability in a business whose products directly affect animal health and farm productivity.

“In animal health, quality has consequences beyond the transaction between a supplier and a customer. It affects the health of animals, the productivity of farmers and the confidence people place in the products they use,” she said.

“Receiving this award in our 31st year is an important milestone, but it also reminds us that recognition must be matched by consistent performance.”

According to the organisers, ERAM was nominated by members of the public before being assessed by an expert panel. The evaluation covered product quality, affordability, reliability, customer care, consumer trust, technology adoption, leadership, sustainability, economic performance and community contribution.

The Quality Seal of Excellence is intended to increase the visibility of recognised businesses and connect them to commercial networks, investment opportunities and potential export markets across East and Southern Africa.

For ERAM, the practical value of the recognition could help the company build commercial relationships, widen distribution and translate its manufacturing capabilities into greater market access.

The company has developed relationships with international manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, veterinarians, financiers and farmers. It also supports farmer training and professional development.

Human Resource Manager Diana Tumuheirwe said maintaining product and service standards required investment in employees’ skills, welfare and professional development.

“When employees are supported, trained and empowered to take ownership of their work, the benefits extend to the customer,” she said, adding that the company was continuing to develop its workforce as the business grew.

In a technically demanding sector, staff competence and product knowledge are important to the safe handling of veterinary products and the quality of support available to farmers and veterinary practitioners.

The award follows ERAM’s 30th-anniversary celebrations in October 2025, when it unveiled its new headquarters and reflected on its contribution to Uganda’s livestock sector.

At the anniversary event, Minister of State for Animal Industry Lt. Col. (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama urged agricultural manufacturers to maintain quality standards, adopt technology and invest in environmentally sustainable production. He also called for greater investment in research, local manufacturing and the training of future veterinary professionals.

These priorities are relevant to ERAM’s next phase of growth, particularly as it seeks to strengthen its manufacturing operations and pursue opportunities in regional markets.

Managing Director Muhigirwa said the award had strengthened the company’s confidence in the potential of Ugandan enterprise.