Kaliro Sugar Factory has been officially commissioned, marking a major milestone in Uganda’s agro-industrial drive.
The state-of-the-art processing plant was inaugurated on Friday in Kaliro District by Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Francis Mwebesa on behalf of President Museveni.
In his message delivered at the commissioning, Museveni praised the investment by businessman Ashish Monpara, calling it a model of private capital driving national development.
“This factory represents the spirit of Uganda’s economic transformation — adding value to our agricultural produce, creating jobs for our people, and reducing imports while opening doors to new export markets. I congratulate Ashish Monpara and the people of Kaliro for making this vision a reality.”
The Minister of State for Investment and Privatization, Evelyn Anite, said the project is in line with Uganda’s industrialization agenda.
“Uganda’s future lies in agro-industrialization. Investments like Kaliro Sugar Factory directly align with the National Development Plan III and Vision 2040 by creating 1,500 jobs now, with 3,000 in the near future, empowering farmers, and stimulating regional economies.”
She added that government remains committed to supporting such ventures.
“Government will continue to provide an enabling environment for such ventures to thrive.”
Ashish Monpara the founder Modern Group and Kaliro Sugar, revealed that plant is already crushing 2,500 tons of cane per day, producing 78,000 tons of raw sugar annually, and employing 1,500 people directly.
He added that in the next two years, capacity will expand to 8,000 tons daily, output will rise to 230,000 tons annually, and employment will grow to 3,000 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs across transport, trade, and services.
Mr. Mumolu Nathan, Chairman of the Outgrowers’ Association, said that the launch is more than a factory opening for farmers, but it’s a promise of stability.
“For the farmers of Kaliro and beyond, this factory is a dream turned into reality. It guarantees us fair markets, consistent incomes, and the dignity of seeing our sugarcane transformed into national wealth. Kaliro Sugar is not just a buyer of cane it is a partner in our growth.”
The factory strengthens Uganda’s competitiveness within the COMESA and EAC sugar markets, reducing imports while expanding exports.
Beyond trade, Kaliro Sugar has pledged Corporate Social Responsibility projects that include extending clean water and electricity, building a school, and investing in roads to uplift surrounding communities.
To ensure sustainability, the factory is adopting eco-friendly waste management systems, renewable energy solutions, and reforestation programs, underscoring its commitment to climate-conscious growth.
