Uganda: Govt to Expand, Modernise Soroti Fruit Factory in Shs 107 Billion Boost for Teso Industrialisation

17 November 2025
Nile Post (Kampala)
By Andrew Victor Mawanda Naimanye

In a landmark move to drive industrialisation and economic transformation in the Teso sub-region, the Ugandan Government has announced major plans to expand and modernise the Soroti Fruit Factory. The ambitious project is estimated to cost Shs 107 billion (USD 30 million).

The expansion, in partnership with an Ethiopian management firm already involved in improving the factory's operations, was unveiled by Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Ramathan Ggoobi, during a performance assessment visit to Soroti Fruits Ltd, following a directive from President Museveni.

"Plans are underway to expand and modernise Soroti Fruit Factory in partnership with a management firm from Ethiopia," Ggoobi said, noting that construction of the new facility is expected to take about two years to become fully operational.

Ggoobi highlighted that the factory is "changing the destiny of the region in terms of processing and adding value," stressing that its growth would significantly boost farmer incomes, deepen local value addition, and create jobs in Teso.

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The site visit was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Lynette Bagonza; the Director of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, Moses Kaggwa; and senior commissioners from both the Finance and Trade ministries.

Ggoobi praised the Ethiopian partners for improving management systems and enhancing production efficiency. TsegaMariam Tesfaye, Chief Commercial Officer of Soroti Fruits Ltd, expressed gratitude to the Government and President Museveni for supporting the initiative, saying: "We are grateful for the opportunity to work together to industrialise and transform the region."

The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the proposed new plant will feature cutting-edge technology, including an automatic bottling and packaging line, multi-fruit processing units to diversify output beyond citrus, and facilities to produce organic fertilisers and animal feeds from fruit by-products.

These innovations are expected to significantly increase local value addition, reduce post-harvest losses, and open new markets for processed fruit. The expansion is also anticipated to raise incomes for local farmers as demand for raw fruit rises and create numerous jobs during construction and once operations commence.

This development aligns with the Government's broader strategy to industrialise Uganda, drive economic growth, and empower rural regions through agricultural value addition.

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