MBARARA, Uganda— Peter Rwabunyegera, an official Coca-Cola distributor, is celebrating a decade of remarkable growth and resilience in Mbarara, culminating in the recent completion of a new warehouse that significantly boosts his operational capacity.
Rwabunyegera’s distribution journey began modestly in October 2013 at Kizungu Market, Mbarara. His enterprise, Rwape Investments, has since evolved into a trusted distributor in the region for Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU).
“Mr. Rwabunyegera’s journey with CCBU shows the hard work and commitment we value in our Official Coca-Cola Distributors,” said Melkamu Abebe, General Manager of CCBU, during a recent visit to Rwape Investments. “His success story highlights the important role OCCDs play in ensuring our products reach every part of the market, and we remain devoted to partnering with customers for growth and striving for excellence across the value chain.”
A pivotal moment for Rwabunyegera came in July 2017 when he was awarded a larger market in Isingiro district, significantly expanding his reach and increasing sales.
“It was a difficult journey at first, but we stabilized after two years and have recently completed our new warehouse,” Rwabunyegera said.
The new 80×40-foot warehouse, situated on half an acre, marks a major milestone. It allows Rwabunyegera to store and distribute products more efficiently.
“This sizable warehouse will also enable us to scale up and meet the increasing demand in the region,” he explained.
Rwabunyegera credits CCBU, part of the Coca-Cola Beverages Africa group, for his achievements. He highlighted the training provided to his sales team, access to credit facilities and consistent supervision from his Area Sales Manager and Regional Sales Manager. “Their involvement in my day-to-day operations keeps me accountable and has been crucial for maintaining a healthy business,” he said.
Networking with other official Coca-Cola distributors nationwide has also been instrumental for Rwape Investments’ growth. Rwabunyegera frequently attends meetings where distributors share insights and best practices.
“Learning from others in the same business helps me innovate and improve my operations,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to build relationships and share experiences.”
Looking ahead, Rwabunyegera is optimistic about further expanding his distribution capabilities. With a solid foundation and a commitment to continuous improvement, Rwape Investments is poised for continued success.
“At CCBU we are dedicated to creating value and delivering exceptional service across every touchpoint of our business,” Abebe said. “It’s about driving sustainable growth for our partners and providing top-tier service that ensures product availability at every consumer touchpoint. Our Route-to-Market strategy emphasizes optimizing operations with our OCCDs, ensuring smooth product movement from production to final consumption.”
