Soroti Fruit Factory has officially launched a major expansion project worth more than US$21 million, a move expected to transform fruit processing in eastern Uganda by increasing production capacity, introducing new fruit varieties and creating additional value chains for farmers.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the Soroti Industrial Park on Monday, marked the start of construction works valued at approximately US$10 million, while a further US$11 million will be invested in modern processing machinery currently being manufactured in Italy.
Construction is expected to take about ten months, with the expanded facility scheduled for completion by June 2027.
Speaking during the launch, Soroti Fruit Factory Quality Assurance Manager Felix Angeki said the investment will significantly increase the factory’s processing capacity while expanding production beyond oranges and mangoes.
The upgraded facility will feature a fully automated bottling line capable of producing 800 cartons per hour, replacing the current semi-automated system that produces only 200 cartons per hour.
It will also introduce a multi-fruit processing line capable of handling pineapples, passion fruits, ginger, tamarind, mangoes and oranges.
In addition, waste generated during fruit processing will be converted into animal feed and organic fertilisers, while the project will establish a tissue culture laboratory to produce quality fruit seedlings and a bottled drinking water production line.
However, Angeki announced that the factory will suspend fruit purchases during the construction period, explaining that food safety regulations do not permit processing while construction is underway.
As a result, farmers have been asked to wait until June 2027, when the expanded factory is expected to resume operations.
The announcement sparked concern among farmers and local leaders, who warned that growers could struggle to find alternative markets for their produce during the one-year shutdown.
Farmer representatives welcomed the expansion, saying it would ultimately provide a larger market for different fruit varieties and improve household incomes. However, they appealed to factory management to continue purchasing at least part of the harvest during construction.
They also requested support through the distribution of quality seedlings and the establishment of demonstration gardens to help farmers prepare for increased production once the factory reopens.
Soroti District Chairperson Bob Owiny commended the government and President Yoweri Museveni for establishing the industrial park and supporting the fruit factory but urged authorities to find immediate solutions for farmers who stand to lose their biggest market during the construction period.
Owiny noted that although the expansion would enable the factory to process larger volumes and a wider range of fruits, the temporary suspension of fruit purchases presents a major challenge for growers across the Teso sub-region.
He further called on government and private investors to establish more industries within the Soroti Industrial Park to process other agricultural commodities, including coffee, cocoa and bananas, arguing that industrialisation is key to creating jobs and strengthening the regional economy.
Teso Regional LC5 Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo also welcomed the investment but said residents expect the expansion to address long-standing concerns over limited fruit varieties and inadequate processing capacity.
Omolo said the project's success would ultimately be measured by its ability to absorb farmers’ produce, create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods across the region.
Once completed, the expanded Soroti Fruit Factory is expected to become one of Uganda’s largest multi-fruit processing facilities, offering farmers a broader market while strengthening value addition and accelerating agro-industrial development in eastern Uganda.
