By Emmanuel Olinga
SOROTI
Soroti Fruit Processing Factory has taken a significant step by purchasing and processing local mangoes from farmers in the Teso Sub-region and beyond for the very first time.
This season, the factory aims to buy and process a total of 150 tonnes (150,000 kilograms) of mangoes, and in just one week, they have already acquired 50 tonnes (50,000 kilograms).
Since its inauguration by President Yoweri Museveni on April 13, 2019, the factory, situated in Soroti City East, has primarily focused on processing various orange varieties, including Hamlin, Valencia, and Washington Navel.
Julius Martin Ekomu, the Chief Executive Officer, told this publication on Monday, 19th May, 2025 that the factory plans to invest shs45m in purchasing these local mangoes, with each kilogram priced at shs300.
However, Ekomu pointed out that some farmers are struggling to deliver the required quantities due to constraints in sourcing the expected mangoes.
Lawrence Emoit, a representative from Teso Tropical Fruit Cooperative Union (TEFCU), which supplies fruits to the factory, reported that last week, they supplied ten tonnes of local mangoes and are currently processing a final shipment of another ten tonnes.
Emoit noted that local mangoes begin ripening in April, but as they are now in May, most mangoes have fully ripened, and only raw, mature mangoes are accepted at the factory.
He explained that suppliers purchase local mangoes at shs150 per kilogram and sell them to the factory at shs300, factoring in additional costs such as vehicle hire, bags, and labor for weighing and loading.
The factory’s purchase of local mangoes has sparked excitement among farmers in the Teso sub-region, who have long awaited this opportunity.
The construction of the fruit factory kicked off in April 2015 after facing several delays, and by May 2018, it was ready to start test runs on its production lines.
The Soroti Fruit Factory is capable of processing six tonnes of oranges and mangoes an hour, producing a refreshing drink known as Teso Juice (TEJU).
Situated in Arapai Industrial Park within Soroti City East Division, the factory is about 299 kilometers (186 miles) northeast of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city.
