Our History

Distilling since 1972Distilling since 1972

The Adriko Group started its operations in Uganda and East Africa in 1972. We have withstood and overcome a tumultuous past ridden with wars and exile. Our source of strength is our strong belief in the quality of our products. It keeps us going. Continue below to peek into our past and how it has defined us.

IN 1972
Adriko & Associates is registered and incorporated in 1972

Incorporation of Adriko & Associates

Adriko & Associates East Africa is registered and incorporated in 1972
IN 1976
West Nile Distilling Company

West Nile Distilling Company is incorporated

West Nile Distilling Company Limited is incorporated in 1976.
IN 1978
Construction works begin in August 1978 in Arua

Construction works begin

West Nile Distilling Company construction works begin in Arua in August 1978.
War and Exile till 1986

War and Exile

In exile till 1986
IN 1989
Erection of distilling columns in AruaErection of distilling columns in Arua

Erection of distilling columns in Arua

IN 1990
Brand launch by Professor Mondo KagonyeraLaunch of the Adrikos products

Brand launch in 1990

The launch of the Adrikos products was in July 1990. The event was graced by the presence of Professor Mondo Kagonyera, the then Minister of Animal Industry and Fisheries.
IN 1996
A presidential goodwill visit to the premises in AruaA presidential goodwill visit to the premises in AruaA presidential goodwill visit to the premises in AruaA presidential goodwill visit to the premises in AruaA presidential goodwill visit to the premises in AruaA presidential goodwill visit to the premises in Arua

Goodwill visit to Arua by H. E. Arap Moi and H. E. Yoweri K. Museveni

His Excellency Arap Moi, President of Kenya and His Excellency Yoweri K. Museveni paid a visit to the distillery in Arua in 1996.
IN 2005
The Arua Distillery destroyed by arsonists

Arsonists fire destroys the Arua Distillery

The Arua Distillery was destroyed by an arsonist's fire in 2005. 
Adrikos Hunters Gin

Adrikos Hunters Gin flag bearer brand is launched

Adrikos Hunters Gin is launched as the flag bearer brand of the Distillery.
IN 2008
Official launch of Adrikos productsOfficial launch of Adrikos productsOfficial launch of Adrikos products

Official launch of Adrikos products

The official launch of Adrikos products was in 2008 and hosted several guests like Bishop Drandua and others.
IN 2010
Adriko Board meeting

Kick-off of strategy to rebuild the Fully Organic brand destroyed in the fire

In 2010, the vision of the company was re-ignited and one of the major objectives was to rebuild the machinery used to produce the fully organic brand distilled by the Distillery before the fire. Plans were initiated to replace and rebuild the destroyed machinery needed to start reproduction.
The Directors in Germany initiating the process for the column in Germany

Financing and procurement of the Machinery

The new machinery was procured from different international vendors in order to maintain the previous high standard of the product. The procurement process started in Germany, headed by the Directors.
IN 2011
Distillery steel structural works kick offDistillery steel structural works kick off

Distillery steel structural works kick off

Steel structural works kick off in Kosovo Lungujja in preparation for arrival of procured machinery.
IN 2012
Arrival and installation of the Distilling Column from Germany in Lungujja, KosovoArrival and installation of the Distilling Column from Germany in Lungujja, KosovoInstallation of steam servicesInstallation of steam servicesInstallation of electrical servicesInstallation of electrical services

Arrival and installation of machinery in Lungujja, Kosovo

The new machinery arrives and is installed in Lungujja, Kosovo at the Distillery.
First production run using the Distilling columnFirst production run using the Distilling columnFirst production run using the Distilling column

First production run using the new machinery

First production run using the new machinery.