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ERAM’s Platinum Award puts Uganda’s Animal-Health Industry in the regional spotlight
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda’s animal-health sector has received a regional vote of confidence after ERAM Uganda Limited was named Best Veterinary Company in East Africa at the 2026 East Africa Brand Quality Awards.
The company received the Platinum Award and Quality Seal of Excellence during a ceremony at Hotel Africana’s Nile Hall in Kampala on Friday, October 16, becoming a first-time recipient of the regional distinction.
The recognition comes as ERAM enters its 31st year of operations, with the company looking to build on three decades of supplying veterinary products while expanding its manufacturing capabilities and pursuing opportunities beyond Uganda.
The sixth edition of the awards brought together brands and business leaders from nine East African countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Ethiopia.
The recognition places a spotlight on the importance of product quality, reliability, innovation and customer confidence in a sector that supports livestock productivity, animal welfare and the livelihoods of farming communities.
For ERAM, the award is also an opportunity to demonstrate how a Ugandan enterprise can develop from a small domestic operation into an established animal-health business with regional ambitions.
ERAM aims for the top
Dr Alice Hope Banga, ERAM’s Director of Finance and Administration and a co-founder of the business, said the award carried particular significance because of the standards expected of companies operating in animal health.
“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. This makes quality assurance, reliability and responsible business practices fundamental to our work. She adds, “Receiving this award in our 31st year is an important milestone, but it also reminds us that recognition must be matched by consistent performance.”
Founded in 1995 by veterinary professionals Edward Muhigirwa, the Managing Director, and Dr Banga, ERAM started as a small business in Kampala’s Container Village, seeking to improve access to veterinary products.
Over the years, it has developed into an integrated animal-health business supplying veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, equipment and supplements to farmers and veterinary professionals across Uganda.
The company operates from its headquarters at ERAM House on Plot 3, Hoima Road, Bakuli, and has additional operations and a manufacturing plant in Lugazi.
Its development reflects a broader opportunity for Uganda to deepen domestic capacity in animal-health products, strengthen supply chains and build technical expertise that can serve markets beyond its borders.
According to the organisers, ERAM was nominated by members of the public before undergoing assessment by an expert panel.
The evaluation considered several aspects of business performance, including product quality, affordability, reliability, customer care, consumer trust, technology adoption, leadership, sustainability, economic performance and community contribution.
Greater visibility
The Quality Seal of Excellence is designed to give recognised companies greater visibility and help them access business networks, investment opportunities, export and import markets, and platforms for expansion across East and Southern Africa.
For ERAM, the distinction could support its efforts to position its products, expertise and manufacturing capabilities for a wider market.
ERAM’s Human Resource Manager, Diana Tumuheirwe, said the company’s ability to deliver quality services and products depended substantially on the calibre, welfare and development of its workforce.
“A company cannot consistently deliver excellent results without investing in the people responsible for those results. It begins with recruiting individuals who have the right skills and values, treating them fairly and creating an environment where they can contribute, learn and grow.
“When employees are supported, trained and empowered to take ownership of their work, the benefits extend to the customer. As ERAM grows, we continue developing our people so that our standards, productivity and service improve alongside the business.”
In an industry where technical competence, product knowledge and responsible handling are important, employee development can help strengthen customer service and the quality of support offered to farmers and veterinary practitioners.
The company has also developed relationships with global manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, veterinarians, financiers and farmers, while supporting farmer training and professional development.
The award follows ERAM’s 30th-anniversary celebrations in October 2025, during which the company unveiled its new headquarters and reflected on its contribution to Uganda’s livestock sector.
At the time, Minister of State for Animal Industry Lt. Col. (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama called on agricultural manufacturers to maintain high quality standards, embrace technology and invest in environmentally sustainable production. He also encouraged greater investment in research, local manufacturing and the development of future veterinary professionals.
Those priorities remain relevant as ERAM seeks to build its next phase of growth around manufacturing, innovation and access to regional markets.
Managing Director Edward Muhigirwa said the award had strengthened the company’s confidence in the potential of Ugandan enterprise.
