Government through NAADS invests additional sh3.5 billion for the completion of Yumbe Mango Processing Factory

Government through the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) has commenced the second phase of the construction works at Yumbe mango processing factory in Yumbe district with plans to start production in 2022.

The second phase of construction includes external works (fencing of the facility and paving and landscaping of the compound). During the phase, government will also construct the raw materials sorting store, the Packaging store, the Guard house and the weighbridge.

The NAADS Value Chain Development Officer coordinating the construction of the factory Eng. Michael Shuwu, says the second phase of construction is expected to take eight months from November 2021 and thereafter the factory is expected to start production.

“With the completion of the external works during the second phase, the factory will be in position to begin production, mainly producing pulp from local mangoes”, explained Eng. Shuwu.

NAADS has contracted a construction company to finalize the external works of the factory which are expected to be completed in July 2022.

Yumbe Mango Processing factory is a value addition initiative by the Government of Uganda through NAADS in partnership with Food and Nutrition Solutions Ltd (FONUS), Aringa Mango Farmers’ Cooperative Society and Uganda Development Corporation (UDC).

The project is a fulfilment of the H.E the President’s pledge he made during the West Nile Centenary celebrations to support Food and Nutrition Solutions Ltd (FONUS) (a company started by Makerere University Professors in Food Science) to complete the project. FONUS are the vision bearers of the value addition initiative.

The 5 metric ton per hour factory is designed based on the local mangoes grown in the West Nile region and a ready market for the farmers. The establishment of the factory is intended to diminish the hefty post-harvest losses and to the exploitation of farmers by the middlemen who buy the mangoes cheaply.

Upon commencement of production, UDC will ensure smooth commercial operations and management of the fruit factory in collaboration with FONUS, and Aringa Fruit Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd as well as to oversee the smooth transition of Government’s stake (divestiture period and process) in the project to private sector.

In 2019, Government through NAADS signed an MOU committing to contribute the resources for the establishment of the factory, provide production and productivity enhancing technologies such as seedlings, and other technologies to the target farmers, contract service providers for the establishment of the mango processing factory. NAADS also committed to supervise and monitor the project and oversee the transition of Government’s stake in the project to the Farmers.

Another partner FONUS will offer technological expertise for value addition to mangoes, identify and provide advice on appropriate technologies, avail the required land for setting up the mango processing plant; and contribute resources for the establishment and operationalization for the factory. FONUS will also initiate the creation of a subsidiary company that will take care of the project and in which the farmers will hold shares equivalent to the GOU investment.

The Executive Director NAADS Dr. Samuel Mugasi says 90% of the works in phase one have been completed with the processing equipment fully installed and tested, and main factory building completed. Government has so far injected over UGX 10 billion in this project which is expected to start production in 2022.