The sugarcane fields of Kaliro came alive today as the district witnessed the official launch of the Kaliro Sugar Factory, a modern processing plant set to transform Uganda’s sugar sector, create jobs, and boost regional trade competitiveness.
The commissioning was attended by government officials, investors, and farmers, marking a milestone in Uganda’s agro-industrial journey. 
In his message to the gathering delivered by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Francis Mwebesa, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni praised the factory’s significance in advancing economic transformation.
“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.”
Evelyn Anite, Minister of State for Investment and Privatization, underlined the alignment between Kaliro Sugar and 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. Government will continue to provide an enabling environment for such ventures to thrive.”
At the center of the project is Ashish Monpara, the entrepreneur behind the factory, who shared its production potential and expansion plans.
“Kaliro Sugar is already crushing 2,500 tons of cane per day, producing 78,000 tons of raw sugar annually, and employing 1,500 people directly. Within 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, services, and trade.”
For local farmers, the launch signals security and prosperity. Mr. Mumolu Nathan, Chairman of the Outgrowers’ Association, said the factory is a turning point for growers.
“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.” 
Beyond production, the factory has pledged to invest in communities through clean water supply, electricity connections, a community school, and improved roads.
The management also committed to eco-friendly operations, including renewable energy adoption, waste management, and reforestation.
On a regional scale, the plant is expected to strengthen Uganda’s foothold in the COMESA and East African Community sugar markets, boosting exports and reducing reliance on imports. 
The launch of Kaliro Sugar Factory stands not only as an industrial milestone but also as a symbol of Uganda’s broader agro-industrial ambitions driven by private investment, empowered farmers, and a vision of sustainable growth.
