In 1999, NCUL began as the only officially recognized distributor of the Claire® range of products in Uganda. At its inception, Nile Cosmetics recognized its ability to become more competitive through local manufacturing. Upon obtaining an exclusive production license for the Claire® range from Pearl Industries (UK), the shareholders invested into manufacturing equipment and started producing locally in February 2002. With the said equipment, Nile Cosmetics was able to successfully meet the demands of the local market. Since this original investment, Nile Cosmetics has purchased state of the art machinery allowing it to increase its production capacity four fold. NCUL has been successful in effectively manufacturing goods locally meeting the quality specifications as imposed by Pearl Industries; however it has also accomplished to set up an extensive network for sales of the goods. Further efforts are being put into delivery of goods to upcountry regions as well as exports to Rwanda, Congo, and Tanzania. Having achieved its position in the cosmetics market, NCUL has taken further steps to ensuring planning for further expansion in the Ugandan market. Nile Cosmetics secured the exclusive manufacturing rights to the Baby Soft® and Julie® ranges from Pearl Industries as well as Bigen® hair dye from Hoyu (Japan). Having secured these new licenses, Nile Cosmetics will be able to produce goods such as talcum powder, lotion, skin creams, petroleum jelly, and powder hair dye locally.