By Felix Oketcho
Finance Minister Matia Kasaijja has reaffirmed government support to West Nile region Nilezilla Mango Factory.
Officiating at Nilezilla Factory product launch in Kampala, Finance Minister Kasajja said the factory based in Yumbe District will create jobs to the youth and support mango farmers there by positioning Uganda to become a regional powerhouse in high-quality mango pulp production.
“President Yoweri Museveni has consistently advocated for industrialization as the primary engine for Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and prosperity with emphasis on moving away from raw material exports towards value addition, promoting local manufacturing, and expanding job creation. On my behalf and government I wish to commend Directors of Nile zilla for responding to President scall for industrialisation and we shall definitely support you”Matia stated.
Prof William Kyamuhangire Nilezilla Ceo,revealed that the factory will reduce post-harvest losses of fresh mangoes and unlock unprecedented opportunities for the region.
“With a processing capacity of five metric tons of mangoes per hour, the plant is projected to produce 2,500 metric tons of mango pulp annually which will reduce Uganda’s reliance on imported pulp, saving an estimated $2.5m yearly in foreign exchange,”he stressed.
“Our vision is about fostering innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment within Uganda’s agricultural landscape,” said Prof. Kyamuhangire added.
“Nilezilla is committed to building a value chain that drives economic growth and uplifts the communities not only in Yumbe but the entire West Nile region.”Dr Ruth Biyinzika Kasolo,Board Chair of Nilezilla Ltd added, “We extend our sincere gratitude to His Excellency,President Museveni, and our esteemed partners and shareholders: Uganda Development Corporation, Food and Nutrition Solutions Ltd, and Aringa Fruit Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited. It is with great excitement that we anticipate the transformative impact this factory will have on Uganda’s agro-industry.”
The $8m facility employs advanced processing technology (aseptic processing and packaging) to extend shelf life without the use of chemical preservatives or refrigeration,and emphasises eco-friendly operations through waste reduction and energy efficiency.
Already, the factory has created over 150 direct and indirect jobs, with plans to expand its workforce as production scales.
Local farmers stand to gain significantly, as Nilezilla will inject more than sh1.5b annually into the region through mango purchases alone.
Developed as a joint venture between Food and Nutrition Solutions Ltd (FONUS), Uganda Development Corporation,and the Aringa Fruit Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited (AFFCSL), the factory is a critical step toward transforming the West Nile region’s agricultural output. By partnering with local farmers through AFFCSL,
As Uganda pushes toward agro-industrialisation under its Vision 2040 framework, Nilezilla’s inaugural commercial production signals a strategic shift toward science and technology driven value addition and import substitution. With its focus on sustainability and community partnership, the factory is set to bolster Uganda’s position in East Africa’s competitive agro- processing sector, creating agolden opportunity for the West Nile region.