By Marvin Mutenyo
Public Relations Officer, Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation.
As Uganda joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Environment Day (WED) 2025 under the theme “United Against Plastic Pollution,” the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) reaffirms its commitment to environmental sustainability. With over a century of service to the nation, UPPC continues to evolve, pioneering practices that integrate environmental consciousness into every aspect of its operations.
At the heart of UPPC’s green agenda is its strategic goal to digitize 80% of its products and services by 2026. This initiative aligns with Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap and the Corporation’s broader sustainability ambitions, significantly reducing reliance on traditional raw materials such as paper, ink, and packaging.
“In partnership with the National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U), UPPC is working to implement a fully paperless workflow. Although this initiative is still in progress, several impactful milestones have already been achieved,” Prof. Sudi Nangoli, UPPC Managing Director, noted during the recently held UPPC stakeholders’ engagement day.
The Uganda Gazette, the official government publication, is now available online, ensuring easy access to vital public information while reducing the need for physical print. The recently launched UPPC Service Portal also serves as a one-stop digital centre, enhancing client convenience and limiting the need for paper-based transactions.
Relatedly, through projects such as the UPPC Museum, plans are underway for an online archive centre where the public can access historical documents dating back to 1902 when the corporation was started.
The Gov Info Hub, another innovative digital platform, provides Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with a centralized, paperless channel for disseminating information, thus making it easy for the public to access credible, analytical, and reliable information from the Government.
In addition, UPPC is building an electronic repository that will allow for efficient service delivery, online processing of requests, and reduced physical storage, ultimately saving energy, paper, and operational costs. These initiatives illustrate that digital innovation is not only a tool for modernization but a powerful driver of environmental sustainability.
While printing remains a core mandate, UPPC is transforming its processes to be more environmentally responsible. The Corporation now uses energy-efficient printing machinery and recyclable, chlorine-free paper, thus reducing its carbon footprint without compromising quality or delivery. Recognizing that the printing process naturally generates waste, including paper offcuts, used cartridges, and packaging materials, UPPC has implemented improved waste management systems. These systems promote proper sorting, recycling, and responsible disposal, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for both workers and the wider community.
UPPC understands that sustainability is a shared responsibility rather than a solo one. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the Corporation partners with key stakeholders such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and schools like Lake Victoria Primary School in Entebbe, among others. These partnerships support environmental education and awareness among young learners, community tree-planting and clean-up drives, donation of seedlings and eco-friendly materials, in alignment with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Conclusively, as the world faces growing climate challenges, UPPC’s leadership in sustainability sets a benchmark for the print and publishing sector in Uganda and beyond. It stands as a clear example that genuine change begins with deliberate choices and that when businesses lead responsibly, the impact ripples across communities, industries, and generations