The government has allocated USD30 million (Shs108 billion) for the expansion of the Soroti Fruit Processing Factory, prompting local leaders in Soroti City to criticize certain politicians for misleading farmers into cutting down their orange trees.
Jorem Opian Obicho, representing the Chairperson of the factory board and serving as Chairperson of the Teso Tropical Fruit Cooperative Union (TEFCU), which advocates for fruit farmers in the Teso sub-region, revealed that the factory’s mango processing line was originally intended for tomatoes.
“The line wasn’t genuine; it had been meant for crushing mangoes, but certainly not with the hopes of the farmers in mind,” he remarked. Under the new management of Chimaki Agro Limited, Opian stated that 30 percent of the USD30 million earmarked for expansion—equivalent to USD10 million (Shs36 billion)—has already been disbursed. He added that the procurement process is at the stage of signing agreements and obtaining clearance from the Solicitor General.
The funding announcement was made by President Yoweri Museveni on November 16, 2025. Opian explained that the new facility, using advanced and sustainable technology from Italy, will be constructed on 5.5 acres of land. The expansion includes systems for fertilizers and agrochemicals to enhance citrus cultivation, a sector that has long challenged local farmers.
“This initiative will support organic farming by providing fertilizers, animal feeds, and various other innovations,” he noted. He added that the facility will feature civil works machinery and an automated packaging machine capable of processing approximately 10,000 bottles (80,000 liters) per hour—equivalent to 80,000 bottles in an 8-hour working day.
A water bottling line with similar capacity will also be installed. Construction of the new facility is expected to take one to two years. However, Opian raised concerns about many elected leaders in Teso, claiming they fail to appreciate the economic value of oranges. He criticized politicians for advising local farmers to cut down orange trees, despite the continued profitability of fruit cultivation in the region.
“Every day, 18 lorries carrying Ugandan oranges cross into Kenya, with each lorry bringing in around Shs6 million. That totals approximately Shs108 million a day for all 18 lorries, which is a remarkable income compared to crops like sorghum or groundnuts; those would only yield about Shs5,000 from the same area that one orange tree occupies,” he explained.
This discussion took place during an engagement with Teso fruit farmers at the factory premises, as the facility plans to buy between 1.5 million and 2 million kilograms of oranges this season.
Stephen Omoding, Assistant Resident City Commissioner for Soroti City and chief guest at the event, pledged support for the factory against politicians who discourage citrus farming. He noted that the government’s investment signals a positive outlook for the industry.
Omoding urged farmers to avoid leaders who undermine citrus farming, saying: “Accept their money if they offer it, but remember who truly supports the farmers.” He encouraged farmers to expand their operations, highlighting the government’s commitment to the factory’s growth, and called on them to show appreciation for President Museveni by voting for him, citing other investments in Teso, including the establishment of the factory.
Charles Opio, a fruit farmer from Soroti City, criticized politicians who have spoken negatively about the factory, noting that some advised communities to cut down trees without visiting the facility and seeing the developments since the new management took over. Opio said there is renewed hope for farmers, given the government’s expansion plans and the international certification achieved, which enhances prospects for exporting juice and concentrates.
He urged local farmers to continue cultivating citrus crops. Chimaki Agro Limited officially took over operations at the Soroti Fruit Factory in May 2024 and is actively engaged in modernizing the facility to enhance performance and establish a reliable market for fruit farmers in the Teso sub-region.
The project was initiated by President Yoweri Museveni in 2014, with commercial production beginning on April 13, 2019.
The factory operates under a shareholding structure where the government, through the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), holds 80 percent, while 20 percent is owned by farmers via TEFCU. As of June 2024, Chimaki Agro Ltd manages the factory on behalf of the government, processing six metric tonnes of fruit per hour to produce puree, concentrate, and ready-to-drink juice branded “Teju Juice” (TEJU).
Renowned as Uganda’s leading producer of citrus fruits, the Teso region benefits from the factory by providing a dependable market for oranges and mangoes while addressing post-harvest losses. Situated within Arapai Industrial Park in the East Division of Soroti City, the factory is approximately 299 kilometers northeast of Kampala.
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