By Diana Kintu
A new sugar factory has officially opened in Kaliro District, representing a major milestone in Uganda’s efforts to add value to agricultural products and expand industrial growth.
The factory, owned by businessman Ashish Monpara, was inaugurated by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Francis Mwebesa, who delivered a message from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. In his remarks, the President commended the investment as a model of private sector–led industrialization, highlighting its role in job creation, import substitution, and supporting local farmers.
Currently, the factory employs 1,500 workers directly and processes 2,500 tons of sugarcane daily, producing an estimated 78,000 tons of raw sugar annually. This has already created significant economic opportunities for the community, particularly farmers who now have a guaranteed market for their sugarcane.
The Minister of State for Investment, Evelyn Anite, emphasized that such initiatives align with Uganda’s national development strategy of agro-industrialization. She noted that processing raw farm produce into finished goods locally will not only generate employment but also strengthen regional trade and reduce reliance on imports. The government, she assured, remains committed to supporting investors by creating a conducive business environment.
Owner Ashish Monpara stressed the project’s long-term vision, promising consistent market access for sugarcane farmers and decent jobs for the youth in Busoga. He added that the factory will empower communities by building skills and reducing the need for migration in search of work.
Looking ahead, the factory has ambitious expansion plans. Within the next two years, its daily crushing capacity is expected to triple to 8,000 tons of cane, raising annual production to 230,000 tons of sugar. Direct employment will double to 3,000 workers, with an additional 10,000 indirect jobs projected in transport, trade, and service sectors.
For farmers, the factory is more than just an economic boost—it offers stability. According to Mr. Mumolu Nathan, chairman of the farmers’ association, the guaranteed and fair market ensures reliable income, transforming farmers’ hard work into sustainable wealth for both families and the nation.