Africa-Press – Uganda. Nilezilla Limited, the company behind the Yumbe Mango Fruit Processing Factory, has officially commenced operations at its state-of-the-art facility, a move expected to save Uganda an estimated USD 2.5 million (approximately Shs 9 billion) annually in foreign exchange by reducing reliance on imported mango pulp.
Although Uganda produces a large quantity of mangoes, most are traditional varieties known as kagogwa. Poor post-harvest handling, irregular supply, and limited processing capacity have long hindered local processors from meeting industry demands for consistent quality, stable volumes, specific sugar/acid ratios, and year-round availability. As a result, the country has historically imported mango pulp primarily from India, Kenya, and Pakistan.
Mango pulp, a semi-processed concentrate made from crushed mango flesh, is widely used in a variety of products, including juices and juice concentrates, soft drinks, ready-to-drink beverages, yogurt, ice cream, bakery fillings, jams, syrups, baby foods, and dessert mixes.
By processing local mangoes into pulp, Nilezilla Limited aims to supply these industries while boosting Uganda’s agricultural economy.
The Yumbe facility operates under a public-private partnership and began production following a five-year delay caused by funding challenges and inadequate power supply. The factory has the capacity to process five metric tons of mangoes per hour, translating to up to 100 metric tons per day.
Beyond saving foreign exchange, the project is projected to generate 200 direct jobs, over 1,500 indirect jobs, and inject more than Shs 1.5 billion annually into the West Nile economy through fruit purchases.
Operations began after the plant was successfully connected to the national electricity grid and all machinery was installed.
The Board Chairperson of Nilezilla Limited, Ruth Aisha Biyinzika Kasolo, highlighted that the company’s vision goes beyond business profitability to embrace innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment.
“Nilezilla is poised to transform the mango processing industry in the West Nile region by unlocking the potential of our local farmers and resources,” she said.
She added that the company aims to build a value chain centered on high-quality mango puree and related products, driving economic growth while uplifting the communities supplying raw materials.
The Chief Executive Officer of Nilezilla Limited, William Kyamuhangire, said the company seeks to establish a competitive fruit-processing industry in Yumbe District by developing a range of premium mango products, starting with concentrated puree.
To achieve this, Nilezilla has set SMART objectives including increasing annual production capacity, capturing meaningful market share in the East African pulp sector, achieving strong financial performance, obtaining fair-trade certification, and creating employment opportunities for local populations.
Through partnerships with strategic buyers, Nilezilla plans to enhance market access, empower farmers, and stimulate shared economic prosperity.
Kyamuhangire emphasized that the factory will help address post-harvest losses in West Nile by converting abundant local mangoes into high-value puree for both regional and export markets.
He highlighted Nilezilla’s competitive advantage in its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and consistent quality, particularly the unique ‘kagogwa’ flavor profile derived from Ugandan mangoes processed at peak freshness.
The company also plans to expand into retail-ready packaging and explore value-added products derived from mango waste, such as seed oil extraction.
Farmers in the region have welcomed the project. The Chairperson of Aringa Fruit Farmers’ Cooperative, Saidi Aniku, described the factory as more than an industrial facility, calling it a transformative force within Uganda’s agro-industrialization agenda.
With an investment of about Shs 30 billion, the factory uses modern technology to aseptically process mango puree into 200-litre bags inside steel drums, giving the product a shelf life of up to two years.
The General Manager Food at Britania Allied Industries Ltd, Ajith Prasad, the first buyer of puree from Nilezilla, said the investment strengthens year-round supply chains and lowers transport costs.
“We used to spend heavily importing puree from India and Kenya, but with this factory producing concentrated pulp locally, our import bill will fall,” he said.
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija applauded the establishment of the factory, emphasizing the importance of job creation.
“If you are a business person who does not provide employment, then you are not my friend and not a friend of the country,” he said.
He further noted that Uganda should no longer need to import mango puree within two to three years as additional fruit-processing facilities are being planned by the government.
The Yumbe Mango Fruit Processing Factory represents a significant step toward building a sustainable, competitive fruit-processing industry in Uganda, creating economic opportunities, empowering local farmers, and ensuring that Uganda can fully capitalize on its abundant mango resources.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
