Soroti, Uganda |Soroti Fruit Factory has officially begun processing local mangoes, fulfilling a promise made last year to support local farmers by purchasing their produce.
According to Chief Executive Officer Julius Martine Ekomu, the factory is buying mangoes at UGX 300 per kilogram and has already invested between UGX 45 million to 50 million, with plans to inject even more funds into the initiative.
He noted that the commitment to purchase mangoes made last year is now being fulfilled.
Ekomu also encouraged Ugandans to embrace locally manufactured Teju Juice, a product of the factory, as a way of supporting local value addition and boosting the regional economy.
He emphasized that the fruit is being sourced strictly from registered farmer groups to ensure quality and traceability.
The initiative has sparked excitement among farmers. Simon Obwolo, a resident farmer, sold 1,425 kilograms of mangoes from just three trees, earning UGX 213,700.
He said it was his first time earning income from mangoes and that the experience has encouraged him to protect his trees. He also plans to advise his neighbors to do the same and intends to use the proceeds to pay school fees for his children.
Other farmers, like Geofrey Esebu, who owns over 15 mango trees, expressed similar enthusiasm, noting that the initiative has turned previously neglected fruit into a reliable source of income.
Lawrence Emotu, who delivered 10 tons of mangoes, also praised the move. He urged fellow farmers to preserve and care for their mango trees to ensure continuous supply and earnings.
The launch of this mango purchase and processing drive has brought new hope to Soroti’s farming communities signalling a potential transformation in the region’s agricultural sector, unlocking opportunities in employment, agribusiness, and local economic development.