Uganda’s drinks market is set for a major shake-up with the arrival of three internationally acclaimed premium alcoholic brands, a launch that local distributor Power Liquors says will redefine drinking culture and position Uganda as a regional hub for high-end beverages.
The brands – Offshore Alkaline Vodka from Australia, Tequila Ley .925 from Mexico, and Vodka Cruisers by Asahi Beverages – will be unveiled on December 13, 2025 under Pearl Liquors Uganda Ltd, the parent company of Power Liquors.
Power Liquors CEO Stuart Raymond Kasule said most Ugandan consumers have grown up on conventional spirits, many of which cause hangovers and harsh side-effects. His mission, he said, was to introduce ‘an entirely different experience.’
‘Most Ugandans have been used to drinking spirits. However, most of the spirits bring hangover and other side effects; We wanted to sell more than drinks – we wanted to sell an experience,’ Kasule said on Thursday, 04 December 2025.
World’s only alkaline vodka
The headline product of the launch is Offshore Alkaline Vodka, the world’s only patented alkaline vodka, produced using premium Australian alkaline water.
Kasule said Offshore is unique not only globally but also scientifically.
‘Offshore vodka is the number one alkaline vodka in the world. No one else can ever make alkaline vodka because the company has patent rights,’ he explained. ‘Clubs keep asking how it can be alkaline – which means no hangover – and still be vodka. But the science is in the water. You get drunk like anybody else, but you wake up fresh and clean,’ he explained.
Offshore Alkaline Vodka will enter the Ugandan market at an accessible launch price of around Shs150,000, a strategy aimed at building mass appreciation for its unique profile.
Luxury tequila with global prestige
Also launching is Tequila Ley .925, produced by Mexico’s renowned Hacienda La Capilla – a brand famous for crafting the world’s most expensive tequila bottle, valued at $3.5 million.
Kasule said Uganda is now joining an exclusive global club of markets handling the tequila.
‘Ley .925 is a premium tequila – flavored, smooth, and produced by the same people who once created the world’s most expensive bottle,’ he said. ‘We’ve signed a contract to supply their brand in Uganda, and their bottles look amazing.’
The company will also become the sole distributor of Lamborghini Tequila and Casino Azul, further cementing Uganda as an emerging destination for luxury spirits.
Affordable ‘cocktails on the go’
The third major brand – Vodka Cruisers from Asahi Beverages, one of the world’s biggest beverage manufacturers – targets Uganda’s youthful, on-the-go consumer market.
Marketed as ‘cocktails on the go,’ Vodka Cruisers will be introduced in four flavours: lemon-lime, pineapple, raspberry and blueberry.
Kasule said the product solves a lifestyle problem.
‘Everyone loves a cocktail, but you must go to a club and find a mixologist. With Cruisers you just walk into a supermarket and buy a six-pack,’ he said.
The drinks will be priced at Shs12,000-13,000, significantly lower than club cocktails that average Shs25,000.
‘It’s going to be very affordable,’ Kasule emphasised. ‘Supermarkets will set their own prices, but we’ll supply at wholesale to keep it accessible.’
Why Uganda is attracting premium brands
Kasule said international brands have embraced Uganda because of its strategic location, strong youth market and the return of diaspora investors eager to build global partnerships.
‘The reason for creating Power Liquors was to embed international standards into our local market,’ he said. ‘We worked with companies in Australia and Mexico to bring their brands here.’
Asahi Beverages, he added, is now exploring East African distribution through Uganda – a move that could spark future production and logistics investments.
Kasule believes the triple launch is more than a business milestone – it is a new narrative for Uganda.
‘Uganda has not been known for premium beverages,’ he said. ‘With these partnerships, we’re changing that story and placing Uganda on the global map.’