Makepasi Match first began production in 1963 in Jinja, Uganda as Associated Match Company Limited (AMCO). AMCO at that time used wood to produce not only the actual match sticks but also the entire matchbox itself.
Due to environmental concerns and a shortage of local timber post-1972 a major evolution in the match manufacturing industry was required. In 2007 a joint venture company was formed which involved the Madhvani Group and the Keshwala Group and thus Makepasi Match Limited was born.
Makepasi Match Limited is now the largest producer of wax matches in Sub-Saharan Africa, using environmentally friendly wax coated paper as opposed to conventional wooden matchsticks. Makepasi currently has three brands: Krishna, Elephant and Three Cranes. Of the three, Krishna is the bestselling brand in the region.
WHY WAX SAFETY MATCHES?
Environment: Wax safety matches are environmentally friendly as the matchsticks are made from wax coated paper rather than wood. No trees are cut down in Uganda as the paper is imported. Furthermore, Makepasi has an undertaking with its suppliers that for every tree cut down they plant two more.
Cost Effective: Wax safety matches are more cost effective for the consumer as they are cheaper than wooden matchsticks.
Value for money: Wax safety matches are better value for money as each splint burns evenly. The cost per matchstick is significantly lower than wooden matches.
Transportation: Wax safety matches are easier to transport as the size of the overall matchbox is smaller than wooden matchboxes. This means that bulk transport of matchsticks to remote rural areas is considerably cheaper.
BREAKING RECORDS
Makepasi Match achieved a milestone in November 2022 – a new highest monthly production of 61,240 cartons (61,240,000 individual matchboxes). This is significant not only in the history of Makepasi Match, but is the highest ever recorded monthly production for any single wax match factory globally from one premises in one month. This represents a significant step forward for the entire match industry in East Africa as not only are we now able to easily supply 100% of the demand in Uganda, but also export to neighbouring countries in Africa and beyond.
Management worked out plans to increase volume with additional infrastructure including the building of a new factory – Unit III – which was inaugurated in May 2021. This was rapidly followed by the addition of more machinery. The unit then commenced production successfully which in turn created employment opportunities for a further 100 Ugandans, some of whom are people with disabilities.
Makepasi Match Ltd presently employs over 1,000 people and is the largest employer of people with disabilities in Uganda. Makepasi Match Ltd has been recognised for “Most effective Program in Community Involvement and Development” during awards organised by Uganda Manufacturers Association, Deutsche Gesellschaft for Internationale Zusammenarbeeit (GIZ), the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, the Federation of Uganda Employers, the Uganda Investment Authority, the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association and Ministry of Energy.
The employment of people with disabilities has been a key initiative led by the directors and senior staff since 2013. In many respects Uganda lacks a social security net for people with disabilities and many sectors would traditionally consider them unemployable. However, with some forethought and a willingness to help Makepasi Match has been able to allocate certain specific jobs for them, enabling them to become productive wage earners in society.
The directors, staff and well-wishers of Makepasi Match also contribute regularly to providing wheelchairs for persons with disabilities. On Friday 25 th August a special donation was made at the premises of Makepasi Match which was paid for by Mr. Shanin Specter. Mr Specter is a preeminent American trial lawyer and is a founding partner of Kline & Specter, one of the leading catastrophic injury firms in the United States. In total 31 wheelchairs were donated at the premises of Makepasi Match which represents the single largest private donation of wheelchairs at any one time in Uganda.
Due to the number of people with disabilities currently working at Makepasi, the Management also provided a basic sign language training course for staff to ease daily interaction with employees who are deaf. Topics were drawn from the Uganda National Association of the Deaf training manual and the training conducted by the Busoga Deaf Development Forum.
Makepasi Match Limited will continue to support people with disabilities who genuinely have a desire to work and earn an income.
Makepasi Match and Mr. Pratap Madhvani and family also donate wheelchairs three times a year. Priority is given to children, orphans and widows. Where possible we also offer employment to PWDs. To be on the list please email Hilda at npm@makepasimatch.com