Soroti City, Uganda: Government has allocated USD30 million (about Shs108 billion) for the expansion and full modernization of Soroti Fruit Processing Factory, drawing sharp criticism from local leaders who accuse some politicians of misleading farmers into cutting down their orange trees despite the industry’s growing economic value.
Jorem Opian Obicho, representing the Chairperson of the factory board and serving as Chairperson of the Teso Tropical Fruit Cooperative Union (TEFCU), revealed that the factory’s mango line, previously installed under past management, had initially been designed for tomatoes and never suited farmers’ expectations.
He noted that under Chimaki Agro Limited, which took over management in June 2024, 30 percent of the expansion funds (USD10 million or Shs36 billion) has already been released, with procurement now awaiting agreement signing and clearance from the Solicitor General.
President Yoweri Museveni confirmed the USD30 million investment on November 16, 2025. Opian said the new facility, featuring advanced and sustainable Italian technology, will sit on 5.5 acres and include systems to produce fertilizers, agrochemicals and animal feeds to strengthen organic citrus production.
He added that an automated packaging system capable of processing 10,000 bottles per hour (80,000 bottles daily) will be installed, alongside a water bottling line of similar capacity.
Construction is expected to take one to two years. However, Opian expressed concern over leaders in Teso who have been encouraging farmers to destroy orchards despite high demand for citrus.
He cited the lucrative cross-border market, saying, “Every day, 18 lorries carrying Ugandan oranges cross into Kenya, each earning around Shs6 million. That is about Shs108 million a day, far more than crops like sorghum or groundnuts would ever yield from the same plot of land.”
He was speaking during an engagement with fruit farmers at the factory premises, ahead of plans to purchase between 1.5 million and 2 million kilograms of oranges this season.
Soroti City Assistant RCC and chief guest Stephen Omoding pledged support for the factory against leaders discouraging citrus production, calling the new investment a clear signal of government commitment.
He urged farmers not to be swayed, saying: “Accept their money if they offer it, but remember who truly supports the farmers.” He encouraged farmers to expand their orchards and said they should appreciate the President’s interventions through their votes.
Fruit farmer Charles Opio also criticised leaders who advised communities to cut down orange trees without visiting the factory to understand ongoing upgrades. He said international certification of the plant and planned expansion have restored farmers’ hope, especially with prospects for exporting juice and concentrates.
Chimaki Agro Limited, which took over operations in May 2024, is currently modernising the plant to increase efficiency and guarantee a stable market for farmers in the Teso sub-region.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Ramathan Ggoobi, who visited the facility alongside senior officials from Finance and Trade, reaffirmed that government is working with an Ethiopian management firm to support the expansion. Ggoobi said the project, costing about USD30 million, will be operational two years after construction begins.
About Soroti Fruit Processing Factory
Initiated in 2014 and commissioned for commercial production in April 2019, Soroti Fruit Factory operates under a shareholding arrangement where government, through UDC, owns 80 per cent and TEFCU holds 20 per cent.
The factory processes six metric tonnes of fruit per hour to produce puree, concentrate and ready-to-drink juice under the TEJU brand, providing a vital market for the citrus-rich Teso region. The plant is located in Arapai Industrial Park in the East Division of Soroti City, 299km northeast of Kampala.
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