BUSOGA SUGARCANE FARMERS REJECT NABBANJA WEIGHBRIDGE DIRECTIVE
Busoga Sugarcane Farmers Reject Nabbanja Weighbridge Directive
By editor
National
Sugarcane farmers in Busoga have rejected a government directive ordering the removal of community weighbridges, warning that the move could disrupt livelihoods and destabilize the sugarcane value chain.
The directive, issued by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja calls for the immediate closure of all roadside sugarcane weighbridges nationwide.
Government cites security concerns, linking some facilities to cane theft and inaccurate measurements.
In a March 17 letter, Nabbanja directed that all weighbridges be dismantled and relocated to licensed sugar factories in line with the Sugar Regulations, 2025. The decision follows police investigations that reportedly tied some weighbridges to widespread theft and financial losses among farmers and millers.
Over the years, community weighbridges have become central to the sugarcane trade in Busoga. They provide farmers with nearby markets, reduce transport costs, and ease congestion at factories. They have also created jobs and boosted local government revenues in rural areas.
However, government argues that the largely unregulated nature of these facilities has enabled exploitation, including under-weighing and collusion within the sector.
Farmers who gathered at Kagoma in Jinja District expressed frustration, questioning both the justification and timing of the directive.
Patrick Mudhugu, chairperson of the Busoga Sugarcane Alliance, challenged the claims and demanded transparency from security agencies.
“When cattle is stolen, do you close butcheries?” Mudhugu asked. “Let police provide data on reported sugarcane theft cases before such sweeping decisions are made.”
Twalik Isabirye, chairperson of CN Sugar outgrowers in Namayingo, echoed the concerns, vowing that farmers would continue pushing for fairness in the industry.
