By Jumah Kakomo
On Tuesday, sugarcane farmers from Bunyoro, representing districts like Masindi, Hoima, and Kikuube, gathered at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives in Kampala to voice their dissatisfaction over the ongoing closure of their vital weighbridge. The farmers, led by Haji Muhamoud Kazimbiraine, Chairperson of the Sugarcane Farmers Cooperatives Union, expressed their frustration over the closure that has severely impacted their ability to sell sugarcane, leading to delayed payments and financial hardships.

The closure of the weighbridge, ordered by Assistant Commissioner Ainebyona Denis in January 2025, was based on allegations of sugarcane poaching. This decision has left farmers unable to weigh their sugarcane, directly affecting their sales. Despite a scheduled meeting in Kampala on January 21st, which was canceled due to the absence of the Ministry of Trade, the farmers were once again summoned to a meeting on February 4th, only to find the meeting postponed once more due to the same absence of key officials.

After a tense day of waiting, a small delegation, including Kazimbiraine and lawyer Ian Musinguzi, was allowed to meet privately with Commissioner Ainebyona. Following the meeting, Musinguzi reported that the ministry pledged to engage with relevant authorities to find a resolution. Additionally, the ministry requested a working plan from the union, detailing how they plan to operate and address the challenges facing the sugarcane industry.

While the union remains hopeful that the proposed plan will lead to better conditions for sugarcane farmers, skepticism remains high among the farmers, citing past unfulfilled promises from the government. Many farmers, including Elizabeth Atuhaire, Treasurer of Kikuube Sugar Cane Farmers Cooperatives Society Limited, voiced concerns about delayed payments and unfair pricing by sugar millers.

Atuhaire explained that these delays have caused financial strain, leaving farmers struggling to meet basic needs. “The situation is dire, and our members are losing hope,” she said. “We need a more transparent and equitable payment system.”
Bigirwa Cleophus, Treasurer of the Union, warned the government that if the issues were not resolved, they would have no choice but to seek legal action. “We have been patient, but now we must take action in court if necessary,” Cleophus stated.

The farmers also called for a substantial increase in the price of sugarcane, with current prices ranging from Shs 11,500 to Shs 12,500 per ton, arguing that this is too low given the numerous by-products derived from sugarcane, including sugar, spirits, and sanitizers. They proposed a price increase to at least Shs 165,000 per ton to ensure fair compensation for their efforts.
The protest highlighted the growing frustrations of Bunyoro’s sugarcane farmers, who continue to fight for fair treatment and improved conditions in an industry that is essential to their livelihoods.