Horyal Investments
Uganda agro-processing and food production
Horyal Investments is a multi-sector Ugandan investment firm founded and led by Kenyan-Somali entrepreneur Dr. Amina Moghe Hersi. The company is most prominent for its role as the lead private investor in the Atiak Sugar Factory in Northern Uganda, a strategic public-private partnership with the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) aimed at post-conflict economic revitalization.
Atiak Sugar Factory: The firm's flagship project is a greenfield sugar processing plant located in Gem Farm, Amuru District.
Capacity: Designed to crush 1,650 tonnes of cane per day (TCD) in its first phase, with an annual production target of 66,000 tonnes of sugar.
Current Status (2025): After halting production in April 2022 due to inadequate cane supply and fire outbreaks, the factory is projected to resume operations in July 2025.
Modernization: In late 2024 and 2025, the factory shifted toward mechanized farming (approximately 85% mechanization) and pivot-center irrigation to ensure year round cane supply and reduce reliance on manual labor.
Ownership Structure: As of late 2024, Horyal Investments holds a 60% stake in the sugar venture, while the Government of Uganda (through UDC) holds 40%. The government has invested over UGX 553 billion in the project to date.
Social Impact: A core mission of the firm is the empowerment of women in Northern Uganda. The project integrates over 15,000 outgrowers, primarily women organized through cooperatives, to supply cane to the factory.
Strategic Partnerships: Horyal Investments was the first Ugandan organization to join the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), with Dr. Amina Hersi serving on its advisory board.
Infrastructure & Co-generation: The project includes a 6MW power co-generation unit and plans to produce ethanol from molasses.