Sugarcane farmers in Bunyoro and Tooro regions have praised President Museveni’s directive halting sugarcane millers and weighbridge operators from deducting trash charges from farmers.
During a meeting with sugarcane farmers and millers at Kityerera State Lodge in Mayuge District on August 6, 2025, President Museveni instructed millers and weighbridge operators to stop imposing a trash levy on delivered sugarcane.
The President was responding to farmers’ concerns about a persistent 5% deduction applied to sugarcane deliveries—a cost management charge that was supposed to be scrapped under the newly amended Sugar Act.
Trash deductions have been common in some mills and weighbridges in Masindi District and other regions, causing dissatisfaction among farmers.
Farmers argue that the “trash” collected—mainly husks and tops—is used in producing bagasse, electricity, fertilizer, and other by-products, yet they bear the cost.
President Museveni urged sugar manufacturers to reject sugarcane deliveries contaminated with husks and tops. He also directed the Ministry of Trade to complete the constitution of the Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council, created under the Sugar Amendment Act, which he assented to in May this year.
Patrick Byamukama, Chairman of the Bunyoro-Tooro Sugarcane Farmers Association, said farmers in the two regions are pleased with the President’s directives.
He noted that sugar factories should follow the example of Kinyara Sugar Ltd, which has never imposed trash charges on its farmers, thereby building confidence and rewarding them.
Robert Atugonza, Chairman of Masindi Sugarcane Growers Association Ltd, added that the President’s decision would shield farmers from financial losses caused by trash deductions, which have been eroding profits.
He noted that Kinyara Sugar Ltd’s approach is appreciated by farmers who suffer under similar charges elsewhere.
Farmers have also welcomed the directive for the Ministry of Trade to expedite the operationalization of the Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council.
The council, once fully operational, will have four farmer representatives, three miller representatives, and permanent secretaries from the Ministries of Trade, Agriculture, and Finance, giving it the authority to regulate the sugar industry in Uganda.
