Bukona Agro Processors Limited has asked for one year to address the foul smell emanating from its factory in Nwoya District following complaints from residents that the odour is disrupting learning in nearby schools.
The company made the commitment during a meeting convened by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in Nwoya to address concerns about its waste management practices and environmental performance.
NEMA Northern Regional Manager Edward Odipio said the meeting followed repeated complaints from residents about the factory's environmental impact.
Samuel Oola, a lawyer and resident of Nwoya District, said he petitioned NEMA, Nwoya District Local Government and Bukona in October 2025 over alleged pollution but received no response.
He has since filed a miscellaneous suit against the three parties before the High Court in Gulu.
Oola said the stench affects villages around Lapem and nearby schools, where teachers and pupils reportedly struggle to concentrate on teaching and learning. Some residents have also complained that the smell travels long distances, depending on the direction of the wind.
Bukona Managing Director Praviin Kekal acknowledged residents' concerns but cautioned that the presence of an odour should not automatically be taken as evidence of environmental harm.
Kekal said the company had secured funding and begun acquiring specialised machinery to convert production waste into animal feed and organic fertilisers.
He added that water pipelines had already been installed on-site and that the equipment was expected to be fully installed by October 2027.
District officials said Bukona conducts regular air-quality tests but urged the company to share the results with residents to build public confidence and address concerns about its environmental performance.
Nwoya District Natural Resource Officer Okot Peter Byron called for stronger environmental oversight, particularly as Bukona plans to expand its operations.
Bukona, which began operations in 2019, directly employs more than 300 people, 97 per cent of whom are local residents.
District officials also commended the company's improved cookstoves for helping reduce firewood consumption, while emphasising the need for continued compliance with environmental standards.
As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the company plans to install solar-powered streetlights to improve safety in communities near the factory and donate ambulances to Coo-Rom Health Centre III.
Discussions are also underway on a memorandum of understanding that would enable organised farmer groups to supply maize, cassava and other raw materials to the factory.