By John Ogulei
SOROTI
The Soroti Fruit Factory leadership has applauded the decision by Capt. Mike Mukula to start another fruit processing factory in Teso Sub – region.
The Chief Executive Officer, Soroti Fruit Factory, Douglas Ndawula told eastnews that the decision by the Eastern Uganda National Vice Chairman for NRM is a big relief to the many farmers who have been complaining of lack of market for their fruits.
Speaking to this reporter at his Soroti Office yesterday 29th March 2021, Mr. Ndawula said that Mukula’s decision is much appreciative and will now help in consuming the abundant fruits that are being produced by Teso Citrus Farmers.
“We welcome our senior comrade Mukula to the juice processing industry and as Soroti Fruits Limited, we are much delighted because his Factory will help in consuming the abundant fruits produced in Teso,” Ndawula said.
He added, “Competition will result in good prices for our farmers and also big volumes taken from them and we are happy about it and its good news for Teso.”
The construction of Teso Foods Limited at Palm Close, Soroti Industrial and Business Investment Park has started and it’s expected to be completed by end of this year.
According to the chairman board of directors Teso foods limited Capt. Mike Mukula, the factory will process agricultural produce, fruits, sanitizers, Spirits among others.
Ndawula has now asked the government to add more funding to Soroti Fruit limited in order to enable them compete for market with the new entrants in the market.
He also asked the government to revisit the policy on exportation of pulp and concentrates in order to protect fruit factories in the country.
“If Government systems work together in protecting the exportation and importation of pulp and concentrates in the country it will help boost investment in the country,” noted Ndawula
He also reveals that at least a total of 109 farmer groups have been accredited to supply fruits to Soroti Fruit Factory this quarter.
“We have more farmer groups in the waiting list but we are at a point now where we want farmers to merge with the existing farmer groups. The only problem with our farmers is that they accept to be fed with wrong information. Politicians in Teso need to support our farmers in order to benefit,” He revealed.
