The Yumbe Mango Fruit Factory in Uganda has commenced operations, providing a processing solution for farmers in the West Nile Sub-region who have faced post-harvest losses. Located in the Lodonga Town Council, the factory, valued at approximately USD 4.59 million, was idle for five years due to funding issues and unreliable electricity. Now connected to the national power grid and fully equipped, the plant is operational.
The facility can process five metric tons per hour, translating to 100 metric tons daily if operated continuously. It has started receiving mangoes from local farmers. Mr. Yazid Funia, a mango farmer from Lodonga Sub-county, expressed optimism about the development, stating, "I sold 1,300 kg of mangoes for around USD 105. Though we haven't been paid yet, officials promised to pay via mobile money."
Ms. Zubeda Siasa from Odravu Sub-county managed to sell 150 kg of mangoes, although she faced losses due to ripening. However, not all farmers are satisfied. Ms. Harriet Amaguru highlighted delays, stating, "Many of our mangoes are rotting at collection centres because they haven't been picked."
Mr. Yashin Angua, manager of the Aringa Fruit Farmers' Cooperative, which supplies the factory, noted that 50 collection centres have been set up. "We've processed 50 tons of mangoes so far. However, farmers expect instant payment, which is a challenge. Our model involves issuing receipts with payment made later via bank transfer," he explained. He also mentioned challenges such as limited transportation and low absorption of mango supply, with the factory processing only 10–20% of the collected mangoes.
To sustain operations, the cooperative has secured 971 hectares for mango plantations, with smallholder farmers acting as out-growers. Mr. Yassin Taban of NileZila Company stated that Yumbe has around 250,000 mango trees, each yielding about 2 tons per season. The district could produce up to 500,000 tons of mangoes, but the factory currently processes only 50 tons daily during a short harvest window. "This disparity highlights the need for either an expanded processing line or a second factory," he noted.
Prof. William Kyamuhangire, the factory's executive director, stated that the plant was designed based on a feasibility study focused on mangoes. Alternative fruits and equipment adjustments would be necessary for off-season operations. The cooperative oversees fruit collection and handles farmer payments. "We don't pay farmers directly. Our payment goes to the cooperative," Prof. Kyamuhangire explained.
Source: Monitor
