Sugarcane farmers in Bunyoro and Tooro regions have welcomed President Yoweri Museveni’s directive stopping millers and weighbridge operators from deducting trash charges from farmers.
The President issued the directive on August 6, 2025, during a meeting with farmers and millers at Kityerera State Lodge in Mayuge District. Farmers had raised concerns over continued 5% deductions, despite the amended Sugar Act scrapping the charges.
Trash deductions still practiced in some parts of Masindi and other regions have long angered farmers, who argue it is unfair since the same trash is used by factories to produce bagasse, electricity, fertilizer, and other products.
Mr. Patrick Byamukama, Chairperson of the Bunyoro-Tooro Sugarcane Farmers Association, said the directive shields farmers from exploitation and urged sugar companies to emulate Kinyara Sugar Ltd, which does not make such deductions.
Mr. Robert Atugonza, Chairperson of the Masindi Sugarcane Growers Association, noted that while Kinyara farmers were not affected, others supplying different factories had suffered losses.
Farmers also applauded the President’s order to the Ministry of Trade to fast-track the operationalisation of the Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council. The council will regulate the industry and will include four farmer representatives, three miller representatives, and the Ministry’s permanent secretary.
