Nytil: A 72-Year Journey in Ugandan Textile Manufacturing

As Uganda reflects on its independence, Nyanza Textile Industries Limited (Nytil) marks a significant milestone: 72 years of textile manufacturing. Established in 1954 by the British colonial government in Njeru, near Jinja, Nytil has navigated a complex history of political changes, economic fluctuations, and privatization.

Initially supported by the Manchester-based Calico Printers Association for technical and managerial expertise, Nytil grew into a vital East African textile producer. At its zenith, the factory boasted an integrated system encompassing cotton processing, spinning, weaving, and the creation of finished textile goods, thereby stimulating local cotton farming and employment.

The post-independence era brought instability, impacting state-owned enterprises like Nytil through insufficient investment and aging infrastructure. A pivotal moment arrived in 1996 when Southern Range Nyanza Limited acquired the company, initiating a period of modernization.

“Rather than simply maintaining the old production system, the new owners embarked on a major restructuring programme, replacing obsolete machinery and investing in modern textile manufacturing equipment,” stated Virendra Okello, Nytil’s general manager.

The company has since diversified its offerings to include knitted fabrics, institutional garments, and uniforms. This revival aligns with Uganda’s broader goals of rebuilding its manufacturing base and adding value to locally sourced cotton, supporting the ‘Buy Uganda, Build Uganda’ initiative.

Nytil’s integrated operations bridge agriculture and manufacturing, transforming raw cotton into finished products and providing a crucial market for farmers. The company is a key supplier of uniforms to national institutions, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and Uganda Prisons, as well as producing school wear.

Despite modernization, Nytil faces stiff competition from low-cost imported textiles. William Okello, a 38-year veteran at Nytil, urges government institutions to support local industry by sourcing uniforms from Nytil, as was the practice historically.

With over 2,500 employees, Nytil remains a major employer and a symbol of Uganda’s industrial resilience. As the nation pursues industrialization and seeks to leverage opportunities like the African Continental Free Trade Area, Nytil’s continued operation represents a move towards producing higher-value finished goods rather than just exporting raw materials.

This information was originally reported by Nile Post.