'Museveni backs Sironko tomato factory plan'

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“I sometimes wonder whether growing tomatoes is worth the pain,” lamented Jane Nambuya, a farmer from Kaduwa village in Budadiri West in Sironko district.

“We invest so much, but when the harvest comes, the market prices crush us. We sell at a loss.”

Her story mirrors that of many Sironko farmers who face losses despite bumper harvests.

Overproduction has flooded local markets, while demand remains low.

Farmers say the cost of growing tomatoes often outweighs the returns, forcing some to abandon the crop altogether.

Ali Makwasi, a farmer from Nalugugu, said the situation is becoming unsustainable.

“Imagine spending over sh1.2m on an acre and only earning half of that. Many of us are in debt.”

Asha Lumolo steps in

In response, farmers have rallied behind Asha Nabulo Lumolo Mafabi, a commercial farmer and philanthropist, to push for a tomato processing plant in Sironko.

They believe the facility will stabilize prices, cut post-harvest losses, and create jobs.

During a meeting with Yunus Kakande, Secretary in the Office of the President, on September 10, at Mbale Resort Hotel, Lumolo revealed that she had already initiated talks with overseas investors interested in the project.

Asha Nabulo Lumolo Mafabi in discussion with Yunus Kakande in Mbale City on plans for a tomato processing plant in Sironko. (Photo By Javier Silas Omagor)

Kakande confirmed that President Museveni is supportive of the initiative.

“The President will work with Hon. Lumolo and the people of Sironko, especially the farmers to ensure this project takes off. Arrangements are being made for the investors to meet him directly," he said.

Secretary in the Office of the President, Yunus Kakande, assures Sironko farmers of President Museveni’s support for the factory project. (Photo By Javier Silas Omagor)

Lumolo, also the unopposed NRM Woman MP for Sironko, said the plant would benefit not only Sironko but also Bugisu, Bukedi, Teso, Sebei and other neighbouring sub-regions.

“Our farmers will finally see dignity in their sweat,” she told New Vision.

Sironko District Agricultural Officer James Womutai described the plan as long overdue.

“The truth is our farmers produce far beyond what the fresh market can absorb."

Womutai continued:  "A processing facility will unlock value and modernize the farming economy.”

At a farmers’ meeting in Mutufu sub-county headquarters, growers welcomed the discussions with optimism, pledging a steady supply once the factory becomes operational.

For Nambuya and many others, the project is about more than economic gains.

“If our tomatoes can be processed here, our sweat will finally make sense, and that will improve livelihoods," she said.