Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) is looking beyond its traditional government printing business after securing an international quality-management certification that its management says could help it compete for more work in Uganda and abroad.
The corporation announced in Entebbe on September 14 that it had secured ISO 9001:2015 certification, confirming that its quality-management system meets internationally recognized standards for consistent service delivery, accountability and continuous improvement.
Put simply, the certification assesses how an organization manages the processes behind the products and services it delivers. The ISO 9001:2015 standard requires organizations to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.
For UPPC, the significance goes beyond the certificate itself. Management sees it as part of a wider attempt to modernize the corporation, improve customer experience and expand its commercial business beyond government work.
UPPC managing director Prof Sudi Nangoli said the certification marked an important step in transforming the corporation from a traditional government printer into a modern printing and publishing institution.
“This certification demonstrates that UPPC is operating in accordance with internationally recognized quality standards. It strengthens confidence in our services and positions us to compete more effectively for opportunities both at home and in the international market,” Nangoli said.
UPPC occupies a distinctive place in Uganda’s publishing industry. As the country’s official government publisher, it produces and disseminates official information, including the Uganda Gazette, laws and legislation. It also competes for commercial printing and publishing work from public- and private-sector clients.