Deceit and betrayal have dealt a devastating blow to sugarcane farmers' leaders in Busoga sub-region, undermining the fight for fair prices and transparency in the industry.
The farmers, who had united to protest fluctuating prices and exploitation by millers, were stunned when trucks mysteriously appeared at factories.
Sources reveal that some farmers, allegedly indebted due to loans, colluded with millers to sabotage the protest that involved out-grower farmers refusing to supply millers.
Jimmy Patrick Mudhungu, chairperson of Mayuge Sugar Industries Out Growers Association, expressed dismay and disappointment upon information reaching him that cane trucks had queued up at factories days after a meeting agreed to sustain the protest.
"We were fighting for our rights, but some of our own members betrayed us. It's a demonstration of deceit," Mudhungu said.
The price fluctuations have left farmers struggling to survive, with many forced to sell their produce at rock-bottom prices.
In a new twist, out-grower leaders have received a letter summoning them to a meeting in Kampala on August 1, between millers and leaders of the out growers.
This has created panic among leaders, who are questioning who is behind the move.
"Who is drafting this drama in the sugarcane business?" asked Mudhungu. "We thought we were fighting for our rights, but now it seems like there are other forces at play."
The meeting has raised suspicions, with some farmers wondering if it's a ploy to further exploit them.
Others are skeptical about the intentions of the millers, who have a history of manipulating prices to their advantage.
Aaron Dickson Monday, the secretary of Mayuge Sugarcane Growers Association, said as the farmers navigate this treacherous landscape, they will not back down without a fight.
They will continue to demand fair prices and transparency, no matter what obstacles are thrown their way.